Our health care clinic has been in operation for 80 years, and some of our patients have been coming here since they were children. We pride ourselves on providing balanced medical care that looks at all aspects of a patient's wellbeing, including their mood, mental health, social connection as well as their physical health. As many of our patients are older, we've become specialists in geriatric care and help patients to stay at home as long as possible. We find that happy and connected seniors tend to be healthy. Our blog is all about holistic care for older patients in a health care clinic.
Geriatric community care
Here's How to Keep Cystitis at Bay
Jane Brown
Otherwise known as a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), cystitis is a painful condition that mostly affects women. The reason for this is that women have shorter urethras than men, making it easier for bacteria to travel up the urinary tract. If you regularly suffer from cystitis, it may be worth visiting a women's health clinic to see if there's an underlying cause. In the meantime, here are some ways to keep it at bay.
Stop Using Certain Products
Feminine hygiene products and soap are generally bad for your urethra. Your vulva and vagina depend on a gentle balance of lactobacilli to remain healthy. Lactobacilli are good bacteria that stop bad bacteria from taking over. When you use feminine hygiene products and soap directly on your vulva or near your vagina, you're killing off good bacteria. These areas are self-cleaning but can benefit from a gentle wash with clear water. If you're in the habit of using feminine hygiene products, though, it might be a good idea to stop so you can bring your good bacteria back into balance.
Start Showering Rather than Bathing
Soaking in a bath after a long day is certainly a relaxing experience. However, they can also increase your risk of developing a UTI. As you soak in the water, you may disrupt your lactobacilli balance. This can happen due to the presence of residual cleaning products, bubble baths, or water quality. Instead, start taking showers. Showers don't submerge the area around your urethra in water that could cause harm.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
Hydration is the key to keeping your kidneys and bladder happy and healthy. When you don't drink enough water, you don't pass urine as often as usual. Passing urine clears away bad bacteria that may lurk around or in your urethra. When you're not urinating enough to clear bad bacteria, they have a better chance of colonising and causing an infection. If you're struggling to drink enough water, try using an app that tracks your water intake. Or, you can focus on hydrating products such as herbal teas that may be more enjoyable to drink than clear fluids.
Tackle the Issue Head On
Unfortunately, if you do encounter the signs and symptoms of cystitis, you should see a medical professional. Cranberry juice is unlikely to resolve the issue. Once the bacteria proliferate enough to make you feel unwell, there's a strong chance you need antibiotics. While you're at your appointment, you can ask your doctor about ways to stop the issue from occurring again.
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