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Common symptoms include the following:  A persistent urge to urinate, even when you just emptied your bladder. A painful, burning sensation when you urinate Passing small amounts of urine. Cloudy and strong-smelling urine. Feeling pressure in the lower part of your abdomen and discomfort in your pelvic area A low-grade fever. Small amounts of blood in your urine.  Children may have symptoms that include irritability, poor appetite, and trouble controlling the bladder. Other names for cystitis are bladder infections, and urinary tract infections. Starting treatment promptly can help you to feel better quickly and prevent any complications, such as a kidney infection. Sometimes, cystitis can cause discomfort in the abdomen or pelvic area or low-grade fever. You can treat these symptoms with an over-the-counter NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug). Common NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). You can also take acetaminophen (Tylenol), which isn't an anti-inflammatory but can help relieve pain and fever.  Take the lowest possible dose that's effective. Overdosing or prolonged use of OTC painkillers can cause serious complications. If you experience back or side pain, fever and chills, or nausea and vomiting, seek medical help immediately. You may have an infection that requires immediate treatment. Your doctor may want to collect a urine sample to verify the presence of bacteria. The most common type of bacteria that causes cystitis is called Escherichia coli, or E. coli.  Your doctor will know which antibiotic you need to effectively manage the infection. Take the antibiotic exactly as prescribed, and for the full duration of the prescription. By doing this you can be sure you have completely treated the condition, and will not have a sudden relapse of your symptoms.  Talk to your doctor before you proceed with any herbal remedies. Antibiotics are the drugs of choice when an active infection is involved. Your doctor is your best resource if you are considering herbs or herbal remedies to treat your symptoms. Depending on the severity of the cystitis, your doctor may recommend or prescribe drugs called urinary tract analgesics. These medications help minimize the discomfort felt when urinating. The most common agent used is called phenazopyridine. You still need to take antibiotics even if your doctor recommends taking phenazopyridine. Drink as much water as you can each day. This helps to flush out the bacteria that are growing in your urinary tract, including your bladder. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink about 13 cups (3 liters) of fluids per day. Women should drink about 9 cups (2.2 liters) of fluids per day. If you have an infection, you may want to drink more. Cranberry juice is mildly acidic and helps to lower the amount of bacteria in your bladder. Taking higher doses of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, may be helpful during this time as this also helps to make your urine slightly acidic. Acidic urine makes it harder for the bacteria to live. Beverages that contain caffeine, such as tea and coffee, can be irritating to the lining of your bladder. The bacteria that is causing your bladder infection attaches itself to the lining area of your bladder and causes irritation, which contributes to the pain you experience. Avoiding beverages that can further irritate the lining of your bladder can help to prevent additional pain, and promote healing.  Consuming soft drinks, sugary sodas, and fruit juices, add sugar to the fluids that pass through your bladder. Sugar is a nutrient for bacteria to grow. Avoiding these types of beverages during this time can help to promote healing and prevent further bacterial growth.  Drinking just water and cranberry juice is the best option while you have symptoms. Some evidence suggests that sex can make cystitis worse. If you do have sex, use plenty of lubrication to help reduce friction and irritation.
Identify your symptoms. Talk to your doctor as soon as you develop symptoms. Take an NSAID or acetaminophen for pain. Take antibiotics. Take medications to help with urinary discomfort. Drink plenty of water. Add cranberry juice to the fluids you drink. Avoid drinking fluids that contain sugar or irritants. Avoid sex until the infection has cleared up.