Cystitis Prevention and Treatment

By : Suzanne VanDeGrift

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder that's almost always caused by a bacterial infection. If germs enter the urethra, they can infect the bladder, causing cystitis. Not only is a case of cystitis painful, it can also lead to more serious conditions. Infection can spread to the kidneys by way of the tubes that connect them to the bladder called the ureter.

Other than the bacterial infection, some of the less common causes of cystitis are drug reactions, especially chemotherapy drugs, radiation of the pelvic area, long-term use of a catheter, and an allergic reaction to certain products like feminine hygiene sprays or spermicidal jellies. Harsh soaps, bubble baths, deodorized tampons, and douches can also contribute to the development of cystitis. Cystitis can also result as a complication of other conditions such as Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, endometriosis, and various pelvic inflammatory disorders. People with diabetes need to be particularly careful in treating this disorder, since the kidneys are at risk for infection. Keeping the immune system strong and healthy is very beneficial in fighting off bladder infection. Taking a tonic that's made from natural herbs of echinacea root, goldenseal root, astragalus, cats claw, ginger root, and pau d will help in boosting the immune system and making it easier to fight off infection

More women are plagued with cystitis than men by a sizable percentage. There are two main reasons for this. First, the woman's urethral opening is closer to the anus than a man's, so the germs don't have as far to travel. In addition, a woman's urethra itself is considerably shorter than a man's, 1 and 1/2 inches for a woman compared to 8 inches for a man. This greatly reduces the distance bacteria needs to travel to a woman's bladder. Most men who have healthy urinary tracts very seldom develop cystitis. Men are, however, at greater risk for bladder infection, if they have an enlarged prostate gland. Keep the bladder and kidneys cleansed and nourished with a natural plant formula that includes the benefits of the cranberry, which has been determined to have infection-fighting properties.

There are several steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of developing cystitis. Some apply to both men and women and some to woman only. For example, holding your urine can cause the urine to begin to grow stagnant and lead to the growth of bacteria, leading to cystitis. Go frequently, try never to hold it. Changing the body's natural acidity by douching can lead to infection. Avoid douching. Drink plenty of fluids. Your urine should never be dark in color. Always keep the anal/urethra area clean. It's very important for woman to remember to never wipe from back to front, always from front to back after a bowel movement.

Another lifestyle change that may help reduce the risk of developing infection is to choose underwear made of cotton, which is a natural, breathable fiber. If you do prefer wearing underwear made from fabrics such as silk, nylon, or other fabrics, make sure they have a cotton crotch. Wearing anything tight-fitting such as pants, shorts, or underwear is okay for short periods of time, but they can put you at risk for developing when worn for extended periods of time.

And, finally, add some food sources which will aid in reducing bacteria in the urine. They include oranges, pineapples, tomatoes, and green leafy vegetables. Combine with these foods an herbal formula that will strengthen and vitalize the urinary system. Make sure it includes the most beneficial ingredients for optimum health. Look for herbs such as juniper berries, uva ursi which kills bacteria, parsley leaf, celery seed, asparagus which helps flush out bacteria, and buchu leaf which acts as a urinary tract disinfectant and diuretic.

Just What Is Neurogenic Bladder

By : David Cowley

Neurogenic bladder is a condition that affects both males and females and can result from disease, injury, or birth defects that affect the brain, spinal cord, or nerves leading to the bladder. Neurogenic bladder is caused by problems with the nerves carrying messages between the bladder and the brain which results in the loss of the normal bladder function control.

Bladder function is normally automatic but is governed by the brain. The final decision on whether or not to void is lost in patients with a neurogenic bladder and symptoms may vary depending upon the cause and other associated conditions. The sensory nerves in the bladder sense the fullness of the bladder and then the brain allows the motor nerves to trigger the muscle contraction of the bladder wall muscles which forces urine out through the urethera.

Neurogenic bladder refers to a condition when this signal is interrupted or disabled, usually due to a disease of the nervous system, brain tumors or other diseases of the brain, injuries or disease of the spinal cord, and conditions such as spina bifida. Sometimes neurogenic bladder happens after a surgery in the pelvic region. Neurogenic bladder gives a person difficulty in passing urine without the use of a catheter or other external method.

There are two types of neurogenic bladder; overactive which means a spastic or hyper-reflexive bladder and under active or hypotonic bladder. With overactive bladder there is frequent and uncontrolled leaking or expulsion of urine from the bladder and typically reduced bladder capacity. Involuntary release of large volumes of urine or continuous dribbling of small amounts are ongoing health issues and a cause of social embarrassment.

With under active neurogenic bladder has a very large capacity for urine because it has a tendency to overfill. This is because it does not have the normal contractions that a bladder should when it is full.

Treatment options for neurogenic bladder usually consist of intermittent or continuous catheterization. Intermittent catheterization is done four to six times per day and avoids the complications that typically arise with continuous catheterization, such as infection due to a buildup of bacteria in the pelvic region. Many patients who have use of their arms can learn to catheterize themselves, otherwise this procedure must be done by a healthcare professional.

Long-term management for neurogenic bladder includes controlling one's fluid intake, not just by the amount taken in but also according to how often one takes in fluids. This way a patient can be more aware of when they need to empty their bladder and there are less occurrences of spontaneous emptying of the bladder and urine spillage. A patient may also be taught how to use external pressure on the muscles or by stretching so as to empty their bladder on command. Surgery is another treatment option for neurogenic bladder. Doctors may implant what is known as an inflatable sphincter in the area of the bladder.

It is also important for patients with neurogenic bladder to continue the use of antibiotics so as to reduce the occurrences of infection in the area of the bladder, especially if he or she is using an external catheter. Regular checkups are also needed so as to be sure that there are no such infections occurring.

Always consult your doctor before using this information.

This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.