Self Care pharmacists say signs of cystitis include burning when passing urine, a need to pass urine often, passing only small amounts of urine at a time, producing discoloured and smelly urine or blood in urine. Medicines called urinary alkalinisers help to ease the burning when you pass urine. These are available from your Self Care pharmacist. If your symptoms don't go away within 24 hours, you may need to see your doctor who may prescribe a short course of antibiotics. Urinary alkalinisers can react with other medicines so it is important to discuss your requirements with a pharmacist before purchasing any medicine.
Some symptoms can indicate that the infection is more serious.
Cystitis is also common in children and pharmacists advise any men or children with cystitis to seek medical attention. You can also take steps yourself to manage the symptoms of cystitis, say Self Care pharmacists. Pharmacists suggest a hot water bottle on the stomach may help to ease any pain. They also advise women not to use diaphragms, spermicides or tampons when they have cystitis. Wear underwear with cotton rather than nylon gussets and use panty-liners and change them several times a day.