Measures to take in bladder inflammation
Power from Nature
Early application of a gentle phyto-therapeutic method can avoid the need to use antibiotics. Plant-based medications can be a good alternative to antibiotics, since rising antibiotic resistance is a much-discussed topic.
Anyone who notices the typical signs should react promptly. If one feels an infection, then it is important to drink at least two-and-a-half to three litres and to obtain a diuretic preparation from the chemist or pharmacy. Get advice from the staff.
Give yourself a little rest as this supports healing.
The best tips for bladder inflammation
There are «home remedies», which can help to alleviate the symptoms of bladder inflammation:
The best and most tested means is to drink plenty and frequently. This washes the bacteria out of the bladder. At least 2-3 litres of water should be consumed per day. Alcohol, coffee, black tea and citrus juices should be avoided as these drinks can irritate the bladder.
In addition to the plentiful drinking, it is also important not to avoid or overly delay trips to the toilet, even if these are uncomfortable. When passing water, it is important to take your time so that the bladder is completely emptied.
The wiping technique after passing urine should move from front to back not the other way around. Otherwise flora from your own gut can reach the urethra. A further point is to find a sensible balance in one’s daily hygiene: too infrequent bodily hygiene encourages colonisation and growth of bacteria, whilst excessive showering destroys the natural acidic barrier of the vagina, which normally inhibits microbial entry.
Hipbaths, in which one sits hip-deep in warm water at around 36°C, is also recommended, especially if it is infused with horsetail, camomile or sage. Hot water is added gradually until the bath temperature reaches around 41°C. Recommended bathing time: about 5 to 10 minutes. Heat in the form of hot water bottles, electric heat pads or a heated cherry stone sachet on the lower abdomen can also help to alleviate the pain.
Do not wear synthetic underwear as these produce a microclimate, which encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi. It is just as important to dress warmly and appropriately for the weather conditions. Avoid hypothermia and change wet bathing clothes immediately after swimming.
Hard stools or frequent constipation are suspected of favouring the development of bladder inflammation. Plenty of fruit and vegetables as well as probiotic products can soften the stool and help protect against recurrent urinary tract infections.
The following home remedies can help to alleviate the symptoms of bladder inflammation:
- Drinking: 2-3 litres of water per day
- Do not overly delay going to the toilet
- Wiping technique after passing urine should go from front to back
- Heat: Hot water bottle or hip baths
- Clothing: Avoid synthetic underwear
Alternative to antibiotics?
Why are women so frequently affected? Frequent kidney and bladder conditions in women occur primarily due to the shorter urethra in the female sex. This means that microbes transmitted e.g. sexually can take root more quickly and produce an infection. This predisposition can be negatively influenced by a weak immune system, thin mucosal membranes, hormones and inappropriate intimate care.
Medical consultation
If the pains or the burning when passing water do not disappear after more than three days, a medical consultation is recommended. A doctor should be consulted immediately if the pains are very intense, the urine becomes reddish or the pains are accompanied by fever. Pregnant women or diabetics, those over 65 years of age, children and men should contact a doctor when the first symptoms develop, even if they are mild.
If the bladder inflammation is recurrent, then a closer assessment by a doctor should be sought in order to identify changes in the urinary tract.
In post-menopausal women, inflammation can develop more easily since the mucous membranes have altered following the hormonal changes. For repetitive conditions, preventative treatment may be important.
If antibiotic therapy becomes necessary, then it is helpful to support this by using a diuretic, antibacterial plant-based medication. Ask your doctor or specialist in the chemist or pharmacy for advice.