Cystitis Relief

Cystitis is the most common type of bladder infection and can occur in both men and women. However, women are 30 times more likely to develop this condition than men. Since cystitis can cause bothersome symptoms such as pelvic discomfort, pressure in the lower abdomen, a strong urge to urinate and a burning sensation when urinating, it is important to seek treatment quickly.

Bacterial Cystitis

• Bacterial cystitis develops when bacteria enter the urinary tract. Antibiotics are usually the best way to provide cystitis relief for patients with the bacterial form of the condition. According to doctors at the Mayo Clinic, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic based on your health and the type of bacteria that are found in your urine. Be sure to discuss any allergies you have so that your doctor does not prescribe a drug that will cause you to have an unpleasant reaction. Once you start taking the antibiotic, you may notice that your symptoms begin to clear up within a few days. However, you should continue taking the antibiotic for the entire course of the treatment. Stopping an antibiotic before you have completed the entire course of treatment can allow bacteria to remain in the bladder and infection to recur.

Noninfectious Cystitis

• Some cases of cystitis are not caused by infection, but by a patient's sensitivity to the chemicals contained in detergents and soaps. Spermicide can also irritate the urinary tract, leading to a case of noninfectious cystitis. The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding these products so that you can avoid irritation to the urinary tract. You may need to stop using bubble bath or avoid using condoms that contain spermicidal lubricant. Once these irritants have been removed from your life, cystitis can clear up on its own.

Home Care

• You may want to try relieving some of the pain and discomfort of cystitis at home. First, drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to flush out the urinary tract. Cranberry juice is helpful to some patients. According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, making some dietary changes can help, too. You should avoid spicy foods, caffeine, soft drinks and foods with high potassium content, such as broccoli, bran products and bananas.

  If a burning sensation occurs when you urinate, Women's Health Queensland recommends placing a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel between your legs for a few minutes before urinating. This will make the skin around the urethra warmer than the urine in the bladder and may provide some relief.