The treatment of cystitis is straightforward and will usually alleviate the condition fairly quickly.

There are many OTC products available for you to recommend to help sufferers. These contain ingredients such as potassium citrate and sodium citrate. They work by making the urine less acidic, thereby relieving symptoms. These products also adjust the environment in the bladder so that it is unfavourable for bacterial growth. Customers taking blood pressure or heart medication should be referred to the pharmacist because sodium and potassium salts can cause problems. Examples: Cystopurin, Canesten Oasis, Cymalon.

In addition to using these treatments, it's important to make sure that your customer is drinking plenty of fluids. At the first sign of an attack, she should drink around half a pint of water and then do so again every 20 minutes for three hours to flush out the bladder. She should also be advised to visit the toilet as soon as she has the urge to pass urine and not 'hold on'.

Painkillers such as aspirin or paracetamol may help to relieve the pain of cystitis, and a hot water bottle placed on the stomach, back or between the legs can often bring relief.

If the customer has had cystitis for longer than two days, or if it is their second bout in a month, they should be referred to the pharmacist.