Treatment of bladder infection

By Lee Sung-hun

Bladder infection (cystitis) is a common illness among female population. So common is this disease that it is referred to as the “cold” of bladder. Characteristically, it is most common among the middle-aged married female population and is known to affect a woman at least once in their life time. In recent years, the occurrence of this illness is on the rise as our busy and complex daily lives puts increasing amount of stress on us.

Typical symptoms include having to urinate frequently (or at least having the urge to urinate) but not being able to discharge to the full satisfaction, and feeling a burning sensation along with pain. In severe cases, the patient will suffer from fever and back pain. Such discomfort can easily associate the patient with anxiety and depression, which means immediate treatment is required. The fact that it is more common among females is due to the anatomical differences between males and females. The urinary tract in a female is short in length when compared to that of a male. Its proximity to vagina and anus means that the discharges and excrements are more likely to cause infection in the urinary tract. Also, females are more exposed to other bacterial infections in the urinary tract due to menstruation, pregnancy and sex life. As middle aged females decrease in their estrogen levels, their general stamina and immunity level decrease as well, which means that the tissues in and around the urinary tract also become more prone to bacterial infection. Diabetic patients are also prone to cystitis due to the fact that the extra sugar level in the bladder can foster bacterial growth, and prolonged treatment of diabetes can weaken the soft tissues.

E. coli is the most common bacterial cause for bladder infection, as the bacteria migrate from the anus to the lower urinary tract. Secondary infection from vaginitis is also another cause. Among young sexually active women, frequent sexual activity puts pressure on the urinary tract which can cause cystitis, hence there is the term “Honeymoon Cystitis.” Mental and physical stress can increase the risk as well.

Due to the anatomical characteristics, females are exposed to this particular illness pretty much at all times. If the cystitis is acute, antibiotics can be very effective. However, if it reaches a chronic stage after being left without proper treatment, or after frequent recurrences, antibiotics can only show temporary improvement. As developing tolerance to antibiotics also becomes an issue, nowadays many patients are seeking Oriental treatment.

In Oriental medicine, the existence of healthy qi is a determining factor for the occurrence of an illness. In other words, when the healthy qi is weakened (or lessened) the body’s natural resistance against diseases is weakened, which makes the body vulnerable to pathogens. When an illness becomes chronic and long-term, it is viewed as the weakened healthy qi not being restored to resist the pathogens. As such, the treatment becomes two-pronged to be more effective; one is to treat the infection itself, meaning the removal of pathogens, and the other is to foster the body’s natural ability to resist by restoring the healthy qi while considering the body constitution, occupation and ages of the patient.

To prevent cystitis, maintaining good personal hygiene is of utmost importance. When using toilet paper to wipe yourself after emptying the bowels, it is better to wipe it from front to back and away. After emptying the bladder, it is better to simply remove moisture with dry gauze rather than toilet paper. As in the case of “honeymoon cystitis” overly frequent sexual activity can be an issue and intercourse while being drunk or while under stress is more likely to aggravate the cystitis symptoms. Emptying the bladder after intercourse can be helpful in removing bacteria.

Although the idea is disliked by many, it is true that looking good may not be entirely healthy, especially concerning bladder infections. Wearing a short skirt is not healthy for the womb and it can irritate bladder. It is better to dress warm, and loose and comfortable rather than tight around the body. If you have previously had a bladder infection, it is recommended to stay away from too tight clothes or belts, and choose clothes made out of soft material. It is also good practice to urinate regularly and empty the bladder completely. Drinking plenty of fluid helps in this matter as the intake of liquid can assist in washing out the bacteria out of the body.

Along with Oriental treatments, some home remedies that can help include a hot water bottle on the lower abdomen and on the back. Keeping the abdominal area warm with infra-red lamp and massaging have been known to be very effective as well.

The writer practices Korean Oriental medicine at the UN Oriental Medical Clinic in Hannam-dong, Seoul. He can be reached at sung_hun@naver.com.