Definition
Cystitis is an inflammatory condition of the bladder, typically resulting from a bacterial infection. It can also be non-infectious, as in interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition.
Causes:
The most common cause of cystitis is a bacterial infection, often due to E. coli bacteria. Other causes can include irritation from certain chemicals, radiation therapy, or foreign objects in the bladder.
Signs and Symptoms:
Common symptoms of cystitis include:
- Pain or a burning sensation during urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Urgency to urinate, even when the bladder is not full
- Cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
- Lower abdominal discomfort or pain
- Mild fever in some cases
Risk Factors:
Several factors increase the risk of developing cystitis, including:
- Female gender (women are more prone to cystitis)
- Sexual activity (increases the risk of urinary tract infections)
- Use of certain types of birth control, such as diaphragms or spermicides
- Menopause (reduced estrogen levels can make the urinary tract more vulnerable to infection)
- Urinary tract abnormalities or obstructions
- Catheter use
- Weakened immune system
AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF CYSTITIS-
In Ayurveda, cystitis is typically referred to as "Mutrakrichra." Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India and has its own perspective on health and diseases. Ayurvedic treatments for cystitis focus on balancing the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and promoting overall well-being. Here are some Ayurvedic principles and remedies for managing cystitis:
Dietary Changes: Ayurveda places great importance on diet. Recommendations may include avoiding spicy and acidic foods that can aggravate Pitta dosha. Drinking plenty of water to flush out toxins and maintaining a balanced diet are often emphasized.
- Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs like Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) and Chandraprabha are believed to have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve symptoms of cystitis.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Balancing Vata dosha through stress reduction techniques, such as yoga and meditation, can be beneficial. Avoiding excessive cold or hot foods and beverages is also advised.
- Triphala: Triphala, a popular Ayurvedic herbal remedy, is believed to help cleanse the urinary tract and support overall urinary system health.
- Detoxification: Ayurvedic therapies like Panchakarma may be recommended to detoxify the body and remove accumulated toxins that could contribute to urinary issues.
Ayurvedic formulations useful in this disorder are:
- Chandraprabha Vati
- Chandanasava
- Chandanbala Lakshadi Oil
- Chandrakala Rasa
- Gokshuradi Churna
- Gokshuradi Guggulu
- Veerataruadi kshaya
- Usheerasava
DIET AND LIFESTYLE
- Drink adequate water, fruit juices, coconut water.
- Avoid sitting for long hours in air conditioned rooms. This causes dryness in urinary tract which often leads to urinary problems.
- Apply heat over the abdomen using a towel dipped in hot water.
- Practice Pranayama and Padma asana.
- Empty your bladder completely when you go to the bathroom.
- Avoid holding urine for a long time after you feel the urge to urinate.
- Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent the bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra.
- After the sexual intercourse, wash your genital area to remove any bacteria that could travel up the urethra or drink a glass of water to flush out the bacteria.
- Cranberry or pomegranate juices reduce the proliferation of the bacteria.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, and chocolate, refined and processed food stuffs.
