CYSTITIS TREATMENTS

Once diagnosed cystitis can be treated with a course of antibiotics.
The most commonly used antibiotics are Co-trimoxazole, Trimethoprim, Amoxycillin, Nitrofurantoin, Co-amoxyclav and oral Cephalosporins.

Single doses of antibiotics may be used in cases where symptoms have been present for less than 36 hours and there is no previous history of UTIs. Single dose antibiotic therapy has the advantages of being less expensive and less likely to cause side-effects. However, recurrence of infection is more common after single dose treatment.

You will also be advised to drink up to two litres of water daily during treatment, and for the two weeks following treatment to help flush out the infection. You may have to have a second urine test after five days to confirm that the antibiotics are working.

If you suffer from recurrent bouts of cystitis (more than two infections in six months) you will be advised to increase your daily fluid intake to more than 2 litres. Passing urine at 2 - 3 hour intervals, after intercourse and before bedtime will also help avoid infection.

If the problem persists, a low dose of prophylactic antibiotics may be given for 6 - 12 months or, if clearly related to sexual intercourse, a single dose may be taken at that time.

In the majority of cases of uncomplicated cystitis, antibiotic treatment results in complete resolution of symptoms and eradication of the offending bacteria.

Many people who suffer from recurrent episodes of cystitis drink cranberry juice as an alternative to antibiotics. It is thought that the anti-bacterial properties of hippuric acid, which occurs naturally in cranberry juice, helps to fight infection by reducing the ability of bacteria to stick to the lining of the bladder and urethra.