Cystitis is a common yet distressing complaint that strikes nearly half the female population at some time in their lives, often repeatedly. It can also occur in men and children, but this is quite rare and medical advice should be sought in these cases.
Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder. The most common symptoms of cystitis are :
* A sharp burning, stinging sensation when you pass water
* An urge to pass water more frequently, even though there may be very little to pass
* A feeling of not emptying your bladder completely
Other symptoms to look out for are darker urine than normal, possibly streaked with blood, feeling generally unwell and pains in your lower abdomen or back. Some people also suffer from shivering and high temperatures. If you experience any of these latter symptoms, you must consult your doctor.
What causes Cystitis?
There are two different types of cystitis :
Bacterial Cystitis - Many bacteria are found in the vaginal and anal areas. The female urethra is short and close to the anus. This allows bacteria to travel easily from the anus up the urethra to the bladder. If the number of bacteria is high and the bladder is unable to flush out the bacteria in a normal way, then an infection can occur.
Non-bacterial Cystitis - In this case, no bacteria can be found in the urine, but the symptoms are the same. Many factors can trigger this form of cystitis such as changing to a new perfumed soap or bubble bath additive or bruising caused during sexual intercourse.
What does Canesten Oasis do?
The active ingredients in Canesten Oasis relieve the symptoms of cystitis in women by making the urine less acidic. This relieves the burning pain and discomfort experienced when passing water. You should start to feel relief in hours and should feel better after 2 days. If symptoms persist after 2 days you must visit your doctor.
Drug Interaction Precautions :
Consult your doctor before taking this product if you suffer (or have ever suffered) from heart or kidney problems, high blood pressure, diabetes or a condition which requires a low sodium diet or if you are taking any of the following medicines : ACE inhibitors (for high blood pressure), diuretics (to reduce water retention) or cyclosporin (to suppress the immune system).
As with all medicines, Canesten Oasis should only be taken during pregnancy or breast-feeding if you are advised to do so by your doctor.
Although Canesten Oasis will relieve your symptoms in most cases, there are a number of symptoms which indicate that you should visit your doctor :
- Cloudy urine or the presence of blood
- A temperature
- Severe loin or stomach pains or the development of back pains
- An unusually heavy vaginal discharge
- You do not feel better or begin to feel worse whilst taking this product
If your symptoms do not go away or return soon after you have finished your treatment, visit your doctor for advice.
Side Effects : Canesten Oasis is not known to have any side effects. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms whilst taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Caution
If you accidentally take more than the recommended dose, seek medical advice immediately.
Canesten Oasis is not recommended for children
The sachets should be protected from moisture so store them in a cool, dry place, out of the reach of children
Do not use the sachets after their expiry date which is printed on the box and the sachet. Return any out of date product to your pharmacist.
What to do when you have an attack of Cystitis
There is a lot you can do to relieve an attack of cystitis. Here are a few tips that you may find useful :
- drink as much water as possible, to help flush the bacteria out of the bladder
- avoid drinks such as alcohol, coffee, strong tea and fruit juices
- pass water regularly to 'flush through' as this helps your natural defences
- if you are in pain, hot water bottles can help.
How to prevent further attacks
If you keep getting cystitis, there are several things you can do to help yourself :
- try to drink 3 or 4 pints of fluid every day
- pass water whenever you feel the need, try not to hold it in
- make sure you empty your bladder completely
- always wipe or wash your bottom from the front to back, to avoid passing bacteria from the anus to the front
- take care of your personal hygiene. It can help if you and your partner wash carefully before and after sexual intercourse and if you pass water after sexual intercourse
- do not use perfumes, deodorants and perfumed soaps around the vaginal area