It is a condition caused by inflammation of the bladder that in most cases is due to a bacterial infection, which is why it is called a urinary tract infection. Without a doubt, it is an annoying and painful problem that affects a large percentage of the population throughout their lives.

In fact, according to the University Clinic of Navarra (CUN), urinary tract infection "is the most common disease of the urinary system and of the entire body after respiratory infections".

At a general level, cystitis is caused by the presence of bacteria in the urine, especially Escherichia coli (E.coli), and exceptionally by fungi or viruses. However, although it is less frequent, it can also appear "as a reaction to certain medications, radiation therapy or potential irritants, prolonged use of a catheter or as a complication of another disease," they add from the Mayo Clinic.

What are the symptoms?

Painful or burning urination, a constant feeling of wanting to urinate (often in small amounts), pelvic discomfort, or cloudy, strong-smelling urine are some of the most common warning signs when identifying possible cystitis.

The clinical picture is almost always without fever, but in the event that there are tenths, this could indicate that another organ is affected, as in the case of acute prostatitis or acute pyelonephritis. Therefore, it is necessary to seek medical attention if, in addition to the symptoms described above, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting or back pain appear.

Tips to prevent cystitis

Before resorting to natural remedies, it is important to consult with medical specialists. If the infection is caused by bacteria, it is usually treated with the healthcare professional's recommended course of antibiotics once the diagnosis is made. However, the treatment will depend on the type of infection, the cause, age, location or recurrence.

Regarding the routines that we can do at home to prevent a urinary infection such as cystitis, especially in those people who have them frequently, one of the main recommendations is to drink an adequate amount of liquid, especially water. According to Mayo Clinic specialists, other basic measures would be the following:

Natural remedies to relieve discomfort

One of the most popular home remedies to relieve the symptoms of cystitis is the consumption of blueberries for its proanthocyanidin content. Thus, you can choose to take a cranberry juice or cranberry pharmacological tablets to reduce the risk of contracting recurrent infections.

On the other hand, lemon juice or infusions of plants with medicinal properties such as horsetail or chamomile are remedies used to relieve discomfort.

It should be remembered that it is necessary to reduce the intake of spicy foods and alcohol as they can cause irritation in the urinary tract. In addition, it is advisable to use neutral or specific soaps for intimate areas, as well as avoiding tight underwear and choosing fabrics such as cotton that favor perspiration.