Bladder infection in summer – causes, symptoms and treatment

Bladder infection due to heat and bathing routine

A bladder infection is generally not a „summer infection,“ but several unfavourable factors come together in the summer. Urinary tract infections are predominantly caused by bacteria from your own gut flora, which ascend through the urethra into the bladder; most commonly, these are gut bacteria such as E. coli. Women are generally affected more often, partly due to their shorter urethra. Heat itself does not cause cystitis but can lead to dehydration through increased sweating. This is unfavourable for the bladder, as drinking enough flushes the urinary tract regularly. Cooling of the pelvic area can also promote urinary tract infections. For summer, this practically means: Swimming is not the actual cause; however, wet swimwear, drinking too little and „holding it in“ can exacerbate the situation.

Recognising cystitis and interpreting warning signs correctly

Typical symptoms include burning or pain during urination, a frequent urge to urinate with often only small amounts of urine, the feeling of not being able to hold urine well, lower abdominal pain, and sometimes cloudy or visible blood in the urine. Warning signs include fever, chills, flank pain, nausea, or vomiting; in such cases, the infection may have already spread towards the kidneys. Elderly people, pregnant women, individuals with poorly controlled diabetes, immunodeficiency, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, or other urinary outflow disorders should be particularly attentive, as the risk of complicated courses increases in these cases. In Austria, 1450 is a useful first point of contact for medical questions; for severe symptoms or acute emergencies, call 144.

Preventing cystitis in summer

The most important measure is mindful drinking behaviour: drink regularly throughout the day, even without feeling very thirsty. The health portal suggests at least 1.5 litres daily as a guideline for adults; during hot weather, the requirement can increase significantly. It is equally important to empty the bladder regularly and as completely as possible, rather than postponing toilet visits for a long time. When it comes to hygiene: „more“ is not better. Excessive intimate hygiene with douches or special washing lotions can disrupt the natural mucous membrane flora; water is sufficient for cleaning. For bathing and clothing tips, this leads to clear summer practice: do not keep wet swimwear on for unnecessarily long periods, change into dry clothes after swimming, and avoid chilling.

Treatment of cystitis

For typical, uncomplicated complaints, a medical history and often a urine dipstick test are sufficient for the initial assessment; further investigation is particularly important for unclear symptoms, recurrent infections, pregnancy, risk factors, or suspected kidney involvement. Mild to moderate complaints can often be treated symptomatically and/or causally with urinary tract antiseptics, e.g., paracetamol, ibuprofen and/or bearberry; in cases of low risk of complications, antibiotics are not always immediately necessary. If antibiotic treatment is given, nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin trometamol or pivmecillinam are the preferred agents for uncomplicated cystitis; trimethoprim only after resistance testing, fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins not as a first choice. Immediate medical attention is required for fever, flank pain, vomiting, suspected urosepsis or rapid deterioration.

Support from the Johann Strauss Pharmacy Vienna

For uncomplicated cystitis, your local pharmacy can be the first port of call. We can advise you on suitable medicines, herbal remedies, and supportive measures, as well as when medical assessment is necessary. Together, we'll find the right treatment for your symptoms and ensure we spot any potential warning signs early on.

Proven products for bladder infections:

• Aqualibra® film-coated tablets – Herbal medicinal product containing goldenrod, couch grass and orthosiphon for the supportive treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections and for flushing the urinary tract.
• Canephron® Uno – Contains centaury, lovage, and rosemary; can relieve discomfort and support the treatment of uncomplicated cystitis.
• OMNi-BiOTiC® Flora plus+ – Probiotic to support the natural microflora, especially after antibiotic therapy or with recurrent infections.
• D-Mannose preparations – can help prevent the adhesion of certain bacteria (E. coliand make it harder for bacteria to stick to the bladder wall and are often used to prevent recurrent bladder infections.

Note: If symptoms persist for more than two to three days, or if fever, flank pain, nausea, or blood in the urine occur, the cause must be medically investigated.