Acute/Chronic Cystitis

A bladder infection, also known as cystitis, is an inflammation of the bladder, most commonly caused by a bacterial infection. It mainly affects women but can also occur in men. The inflammation can be acute or chronic, with the acute form being more common. Painful urination (Li Zheng) is characterized by a burning sensation during urination, which usually stops after urination. This is caused by the sensitivity of the urethra due to a urinary tract infection, which in most cases is caused by bacterial pathogens, often from the normal intestinal flora.

Since bladder infections may not exhibit symptoms, this burning pain during urination could indicate a severe infection. It is therefore recommended to seek treatment as early as possible to prevent the infection from spreading and potentially causing a kidney infection. If there is also frequent, urgent urination accompanied by pain, cramps, and lower abdominal pain, this may indicate a bacterial infection of the kidneys or, for example, a urinary obstruction such as bladder stones, prostate hyperplasia, or bladder tumors. Behaviors that contribute to bladder infections include insufficient fluid intake, suppressing the urge to urinate, excessive sugar consumption (since sugar promotes inflammation), hypothermia, medications (such as recent antibiotic treatment), estrogen deficiency, an enlarged prostate, or a weakened immune system. A chronic recurring bladder infection is defined as a recurrence rate of two symptomatic bladder infections within six months or three symptomatic bladder infections within twelve months.

In Chinese medicine, the fundamental pathogenesis of bladder infection is a disturbed Qi transformation of the kidney (Shen) and bladder due to an accumulation of damp heat in the lower part of the body. In the acute stage, bladder infection typically presents as a fullness or heat syndrome, while bladder infections without immediate or appropriate treatment, or chronic bladder infections, manifest as a deficiency syndrome or a mixed syndrome of fullness and deficiency. The basic principle of treatment for bladder infections with Chinese herbal therapy and acupuncture is aimed at eliminating or reducing the fullness syndrome and strengthening the deficiency syndrome, with preventive measures to avoid chronic recurring bladder infections. To prevent bladder infections, particularly recurrent ones, it is advisable to drink water regularly, frequently use the bathroom, especially after sexual intercourse, and maintain good hygiene. Avoiding synthetic underwear materials and drying the intimate area from front to back can also help reduce the risk.

Overall, acute bladder infections are usually well treatable, while chronic bladder infections require more thorough investigation of the causes and often a more individualized treatment approach.

We would be happy to advise you on your individual symptoms and the possible therapies.