Cystitis from cold / cold feet
What is a cystitis?
A bladder infection, also known as a urinary tract infection, is an infection that is triggered by bacteria and then enters the bladder through the urethra and causes the symptoms there.
What influence does cold / cold feet have on the development of a cystitis?
Although bacteria are the actual trigger for the infection, cold or cold feet can promote the development of a cystitis.
The reason for this is that the body works differently in the cold than under normal conditions. If it is particularly cold, or if we are standing on a cold surface, the blood vessels (especially in the hands and feet) constrict and the metabolism in the body is regulated differently. This then manifests itself in a weakened immune system.
This effect means that the bacteria can "more easily" lead to a bladder infection, as the body can no longer fight off the infection as effectively and the sensitive mucous membrane is poorly supplied with blood from the cold.
You may also be interested in the following article: Cold feet
But don't bacteria feel particularly comfortable in the warm and multiply?
It is true that bacteria multiply especially in warm temperatures. However, the cold is involved in the development of a urinary tract infection.
If there is an increased number of bacteria in the vicinity of the ureter, the poorer circulation that occurs when it is cold makes it easier for the infection to occur, as the weakened immune system allows the bacteria to move more towards the bladder.
What other causes are there?
Cold or cold feet are not a classic cause of the infection, but favor the development of an already existing bacterial colonization. There are a number of other risk factors for developing a cystitis. For example:
- Malformations in the urinary system
- Enlargement of the prostate
- Urinary stones
- insufficient or incorrect intimate hygiene
- sexual contacts
- Gynecological diseases or pregnancy
Read more about the causes of a cystitis under: Urinary tract infection, cystitis
How can I strengthen my immune system?
If you get a cystitis from cold, it is a sign that the body's immune system is weakened. To effectively prevent a bladder infection, it is important to strengthen the immune system. You can do this particularly through:
- healthy eating
- adequate hydration
- regular exercise
- healthy sleeping habits
You can also read the following article: How can you strengthen the immune system?
Treatment options for a cystitis
Home remedies for cystitis
There are a number of natural home remedies that can help relieve symptoms of a cystitis.
- Often a heat pad or hot water bottle will help.
- Hot Sitz baths can also help those affected.
- Chamomile also has a pain-relieving effect. The chamomile flower is known for its healing effects and can also help in the case of a cystitis. Sitz baths in chamomile or the consumption of hot chamomile tea can be recommended.
- Cranberry in the form of tablets, capsules or juice is also known as a traditional remedy for urinary tract infections.
Read about this:
- Cystitis therapy
- Home remedies for cystitis
antibiotic
Often only antibiosis can help with advanced cystitis. So if the symptoms are very painful and there is no improvement through natural remedies, a doctor should be consulted who can prescribe the appropriate antibiotic.
During pregnancy in particular, you should consult a doctor at the first signs of a urinary tract infection.
Please also read: Cystitis during pregnancy, cystitis therapy
