Cannabis for Cystitis Urinary Tract Infections
Cystitis is a common infection occurring in the lower urinary tract. It’s a form of inflammation in the bladder’s walls. Although cystitis is not serious, in many cases it’s often extremely uncomfortable and can lead to further complications if it goes untreated.
Cystitis occurs when bacteria infects the bladder and urethra. The presence of these bacteria causes these areas of the body to become inflamed and irritated. This condition can affect both sexes although it’s more common among women due to shorter urethras. Cystitis can be caused by different factors, but the most common reason why it occurs is because bacteria enters the body through external sources. Other risk factors include bacteria from tampon use, bacteria from urinary catheters, women who use diaphragms, bladder or kidney problems, frequent sex, and being sexually active.
Symptoms of cystitis include abnormal urine (presence of blood, dark or cloudy, strong smell), pain above the pubic bone, pain in the abdomen or lower back, frequent need to urinate, and a burning sensation. In most cases, cystitis often treats itself and there is no need for medication. A typical cystitis case usually won’t last longer than 4 days. In some cases, antibiotics may be given although elderly people who have weak immune systems may not respond to medications as well as others.
How Can Cannabis Help?
Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body, including parts that are affected by cystitis and this is why many people find comfort from using cannabis for cystitis. A 2003 case revealed that a woman with cystitis was treated with 2 synthetic cannabinoid medicines. The first medicine called Nabilone is designed to mimic the effects of THC. When she used Nabilone, it proved to be effective in treating the pain caused by interstitial cystitis although it also caused side effects such as confusion, hallucination, and nightmares.
The patient was then administered with dronabinol, which was therapeutic in giving her relief from pain with no serious side effects. Dronabinol is another form of synthetic THC and is already prescribed to cancer patients to help them manage vomiting and nausea.
While the studies proving the efficacy of cannabis for cystitis are few and far in between, this case shows that synthetic forms may be promising but ultimately it’s safe to assume that use of the actual plant would be the most beneficial in this case as well as in other conditions. Synthetic versions of cannabis are not the same as the actual plant since it lacks the terpenes and cannabinoids that work together, in a process called the entourage effect.
Another study published in 2014 analyzed the effect of cannabinoid medications in animal models administered with a drug-induced form of bladder syndrome. The cannabinoid receptor agonist was shown to be effective in decreasing the pain and bladder inflammation in the rodents.
Research shows that that there is a connection between bladder functioning and the endocannabinoid system. A research team from the University of Wisconsin-Madison believes that the results found in their studies can help cases for patients who suffer from inflammation in the bladder. They also found that activating the CB2 receptors was effective in reducing inflammation and swelling. They concluded, “Our data indicate that CB2 receptor is a potential therapeutic target for treatment of painful inflammatory bladder diseases.” Since THC and CBD are effective in activating CB2 receptors, we can assume that medical cannabis is useful in treating bladder diseases including cystitis.
Cannabis Can Ease Symptoms of Cystitis
Patients with cystitis can also benefit in these ways:
- Reduced inflammation: The cannabinoids in cannabis are known to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate the core problems of cystitis, which is primarily caused by inflammation.
- Pain: Patients with cystitis often experience pain, but can turn to medical cannabis to provide them with natural painkillers instead of resorting to opioids. There are many strains of cannabis that are used mainly to treat pain because of its powerful analgesic properties.
- Sleep: The symptoms of cystitis are often so serious that it makes it difficult for patients to get a good night’s rest. Aside from suppressing pain and inflammation, cannabis strains can help patients sleep well, further enabling them to speed up the healing process.
Has cannabis helped you or a loved one deal with cystitis?
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