Dysuria is a condition where someone feels like urinating continuously, sometimes only a little urine comes out and is accompanied by pain or a burning sensation.
This condition is often caused by infection and inflammation in the urinary tract, or infection of the bladder wall called cystitis.
Although it may seem trivial, dysuria can interfere with daily activities and reduce quality of life if not treated properly. In this article, you will learn the common symptoms of dysuria, the underlying causes, and various effective ways to overcome it.
Symptoms of Dysuria
Some symptoms commonly experienced by people with dysuria are as follows:
- Often feel the need to urinate, but the amount of urine excreted is very small.
- A painful or stinging sensation when urinating.
- Changes in urine color and odor
- Pain or discomfort in the abdomen, especially the lower part.
- Fever can range from mild to high fever, although it is not always present.
5 Ways to Reduce Symptoms of Dysuria
Dysuria can interfere with daily activities. Here are some effective ways that can be done at home to help reduce the symptoms:
1. Consume Foods and Drinks that Support Bladder Health
- Ensuring adequate water intake every day is important to help improve symptoms of dysuria. Drinking water increases urine production and helps the body expel bacteria faster.
- In addition, adding foods containing probiotics such as yogurt, tempeh, and kimchi can help maintain the balance of good bacteria in the body. Intake of vitamins, proteins, and antioxidants also plays an important role in strengthening the immune system to fight infections.
- A fruit that has been widely studied and can reduce the symptoms of dysuria is Cranberry . In his study by Moro C, et al in 2024, the group that consumed Cranberry fruit in juice, tablets, or drinks had a lower risk of urinary tract infections and symptoms of dysuria improved without antibiotic treatment.
2. Don't Hold in Urination
The habit of holding urine should be avoided, especially when symptoms of dysuria begin to appear. Holding urine can give time for bacteria to grow in the bladder, which risks worsening the infection. Therefore, it is important to urinate immediately when the urge arises, so that bacteria quickly come out with urine.
3. Reduce Consumption of Foods or Drinks that Worsen Symptoms
If you feel you have symptoms of dysuria, sufferers are advised to reduce consumption of foods or drinks that can worsen the symptoms, such as: carbonated drinks, tea, chocolate, and alcohol, because they contain diuretic ingredients, which can cause someone to urinate more frequently.
4. Warm Compress on the Lower Abdominal Area
Another way that can be done at home is to apply a warm compress to the lower abdomen if there is pain. Compressing for 10 to 15 minutes with a warm towel or a bottle of warm water can help relieve cramps and reduce abdominal discomfort due to inflammation in the urinary tract.
5. Keep your intimate organs clean
Maintaining intimate organ hygiene is also key in the healing and recurrence process. Cleaning the genital area properly, from front to back, is important to prevent the transfer of bacteria from the anus to the urinary tract opening. Avoid using scented soaps, sprays, or cleaning fluids on the vaginal intimate organs because they can disrupt the natural pH balance and trigger irritation. Use clean water and choose cotton underwear that absorbs sweat to keep the area dry, clean, and not damp.
Consult a Doctor Immediately if Symptoms Persist
If the symptoms of dysuria that you are experiencing do not improve even though you have tried the various methods above, immediately consult an internist to get the right treatment. It is important to know the cause and how to treat it. Appropriate medical treatment will help speed up the recovery process and prevent the condition from getting worse. The sooner it is treated, the lighter the treatment process and healing time.
Article written by dr. Stephanie Dewi, Sp. PD (Internal Medicine Specialist, EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).