It’s all too easy to overlook the colour of your urine. But a GP has now issued an urgent warning about certain shades, claiming they are among the earliest symptoms of one health condition.
For Dr Bhavini Shah, a GP from LloydsPharmacy Online, this includes dark or cloudy urine – especially if it smells pungent too. This alongside other red flags, like always needing the toilet and lower stomach pain, are very common signs of the infection.
“Cystitis is a condition that starts with inflammation in the bladder and is usually caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI),” she explained. “The most common symptom of cystitis is the frequent urge to urinate, even if you have recently emptied your bladder. For most people, it’s normal to urinate between four and eight times a day.
“Other symptoms include pain, burning, or stinging when you pee, and dark, cloudy, or strong-smelling urine.”
According to a Lloyds Pharmacy poll of 500 people, one in three admitted they initially ignored the onset symptoms of cystitis. Although mild symptoms of the UTI can clear up without needing further treatment, ignoring the condition may give rise to ‘serious consequences’.
In the worst-case scenarios, cystitis can lead to kidney infections and even permanent kidney damage, according to Dr Shah. Her advice continued: “Mild symptoms of UTIs can clear up on their own within a few days. You should drink plenty of water and refrain from sexual intercourse during this time. Over-the-counter painkillers can also be taken to help relieve pain or discomfort.
“Cystitis can usually be treated with a course of a three-day cystitis treatment called Nitrofurantoin, which must be prescribed.” Aside from this, Dr Shah suggests you can help prevent the condition by taking cystitis sachets and even cranberry drinks.
However, she stressed there is ‘no evidence’ to suggest it may relieve symptoms if an infection is already developing. She added: “To help prevent cystitis, avoid using scented soaps or harsh chemicals to wash your genital area, and make sure you are wearing breathable underwear such as cotton.
“You must empty your bladder as soon as possible after having sex and have a shower rather than a bath.”
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