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Cystitis: consult a doctor online quickly, 24/7

One of the most common urinary tract infections, cystitis mainly affects women. It is a frequent reason for consultation and can have several causes. When properly treated, the infection is easy to cure. Feeli recommends consulting a doctor without an appointment for prompt care as soon as cystitis symptoms appear.

Recognising the symptoms of cystitis

A common condition, cystitis is an infection or inflammation of the bladder, most often due to bacterial colonisation. This urinary tract infection is located in the bladder. There are upper and lower urinary tract infections. Cystitis is the medical term for a lower urinary tract infection. People sometimes use "cystitis" and "urinary tract infection" interchangeably to describe the same condition. The symptoms of cystitis generally include:
   • A frequent urge to urinate or a pressing need to urinate;
   • Cloudy urine that gives off an unusual, foul odour;
   • A feeling of heaviness or pain in the lower abdomen;
   • A burning sensation when passing urine;
   • Blood in the urine, a sign that the bladder has been weakened but which is often not serious.
Since this urinary tract infection is confined to the bladder, unlike other urinary tract infections, cystitis does not cause lower back pain, chills or fever. To quickly relieve the symptoms of cystitis, do not hesitate to consult a general practitioner without delay.

What causes cystitis?

Cystitis is very often caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli, which is naturally found in the digestive tract. When it multiplies and abnormally colonises the bladder, entering via the urethra, it can cause a urinary tract infection. Women are more prone to cystitis than men, mainly because of their anatomy. Indeed, the female urethra is only 2 to 4 centimetres long, whereas the male urethra is more like 20 to 25 centimetres long. In women, E. coli bacteria, which are naturally found in the intestines and regularly exit via the anus, can therefore easily enter through the urethra and end up in the bladder. The bacteria then attach to the bladder walls, triggering inflammation and a urinary tract infection. Other causes of cystitis are nonetheless possible:
   • Insufficient hygiene;
   • Sexual intercourse can also trigger cystitis in women, when intestinal bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli), colonise the urethra and/or bladder;
   • The use of tampons or spermicides;
   • Using public toilets;
   • Urinary retention or difficulty passing urine normally;
   • A weakened immune system;
   • Menopause;
   • Or any products that irritate the vaginal flora (perfumes, scented sprays, harsh intimate hygiene products, etc.) or vaginal douching.

What are the treatments for cystitis?

The treatment for cystitis depends on the severity of the infection and the patient's general health. Treatments for cystitis generally include:
   • Taking an antibiotic: this is the main treatment for bacterial cystitis. The choice of antibiotic can be influenced by the resistance profile to certain antibiotics and by the bacterium identified. Common treatments include fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. It is crucial to complete the prescribed course in full in order to fully clear the infection;
   • Drinking plenty of water (hydration);
   • Avoiding fizzy drinks, alcohol and coffee, or any substances that may further irritate the bladder;
   • Taking a painkiller (for example, paracetamol) to relieve pain and the burning sensation when urinating;
For prevention, and for people at risk of recurrence, there is a low-dose prophylactic antibiotic treatment that can help prevent future episodes of cystitis. In all cases, a medical diagnosis is essential, for example during an online consultation. In conclusion, it is essential to consult a general practitioner to assess the symptoms of cystitis and obtain an accurate diagnosis. Cases of complicated or recurrent cystitis, or cystitis in vulnerable people (such as pregnant women or the elderly), require particular attention and appropriate medical follow-up.

How is a urinary tract infection diagnosed?

Only a healthcare professional can diagnose cystitis. A physical examination may sometimes be carried out to check for signs of tenderness around the bladder. In addition, several tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis:
   1. A urine test (urine dipstick), to detect the presence of nitrites, white blood cells and red blood cells in the urine;
   2. A urine culture and sensitivity test;
   3. Sometimes, a medical imaging test.
If the urine test is positive, the doctor may recommend a urine culture to specifically identify the bacterium responsible. An antibiogram may also be carried out to check the antibiotic resistance profile and choose the most suitable treatment. Antibiotics may be needed to effectively treat the infection, but appropriate medical follow-up is essential to monitor recovery and avoid potential complications. Urinary tract infections can vary in severity, and prompt care can contribute to a better recovery.

Quickly consult a doctor online and treat your cystitis

To treat this urinary tract infection quickly, do not wait: consult a doctor who will prescribe you a suitable treatment to start straight away. The pain, burning and other symptoms of cystitis are often uncomfortable, and waiting before being able to consult a healthcare professional can feel unbearable. An online medical consultation is a solution that avoids the need to travel to a doctor's surgery, and allows you to consult without delay when medical appointments can sometimes take a long time to obtain. This solution is also suitable for avoiding the risk of complications when access to medical consultations is difficult, as can be the case in some rural areas. Quickly describe your symptoms during a consultation with an online doctor, and receive medical advice as well as a prescription antibiotic treatment if necessary. The medications used to treat cystitis are not available without a prescription. While drinking water helps clear the infection, the most effective treatment is a short course of antibiotics, which often cures the problem quickly. The doctor may also prescribe a longer-term medication regimen if you suffer from recurrent cystitis. The best way to treat a urinary tract infection is to consult a doctor quickly, without delay.

How can cystitis be treated naturally?

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder that can be very uncomfortable. There are a few natural methods that can help relieve the symptoms, but it is essential to consult a general practitioner to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Natural solutions for treating cystitis include:
   • Hydration: drinking plenty of water can help eliminate the bacteria responsible for cystitis by diluting the urine;
   • Drinking cranberry juice: some studies suggest that unsweetened cranberry juice may have a beneficial effect in preventing urinary tract infections;
   • Taking probiotics: these are beneficial bacteria that can help maintain the balance of the vaginal and intestinal flora;
   • Garlic has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may help fight cystitis and relieve symptoms;
   • Avoiding irritants: alcohol, spices, coffee, fizzy drinks, etc.;
   • Applying heat (a hot water bottle, for example) to the lower abdomen to relieve cramps and pain;
   • Urinating regularly.
It may also be advisable to wear cotton underwear instead. In addition, after each sexual intercourse, remember to urinate to help avoid a possible infection. All of these methods can help relieve the symptoms, but they do not guarantee a full recovery. Indeed, medical treatment is often necessary. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

The benefits of teleconsultation on Feeli

Feeli offers fast consultations, and speed is something that is particularly valued when dealing with cystitis. Unlike in-person appointments at a doctor's surgery, Feeli never asks you to book an appointment to speak with a general practitioner. As soon as cystitis symptoms appear, if you experience burning when urinating, log on to Feeli and be put in touch with a doctor straight away. Getting treatment becomes easy. The doctor, for their part, reviews your answers to the medical questionnaire and takes your symptoms into account before offering you a treatment set out in a prescription. All you then need to do is go to the pharmacy with the digital prescription to receive your treatment. Feeli simplifies the process with a streamlined care pathway that requires no waiting for the patient. Treat your cystitis without delay thanks to online medical consultation on Feeli.