Can cold weather cause a bladder infection?
It could be so beautiful in autumn and winter: first October delights us with the colorful leaves and golden light, then the festive lighting of the pre-Christmas period sets the mood for cozy winter evenings. Okay, in many places we haven't seen much snow for a long time and it's better to keep quiet about the nasty, rainy November. And then there are those annoying colds that spoil this beautiful time of year. The risk of cystitis, a condition that particularly affects women, also increases in cold weather. But why is that and how can you protect yourself from it?
Why do infectious diseases increase in winter?
The answer to the question of why colds are more common in winter is omnipresent due to the current corona crisis. People are spending more time indoors and airing out the rooms is reduced to the bare minimum so that rooms do not cool down unnecessarily. This can enrich the air with pathogens, which makes it easier for them to find new hosts. Most pathogens enter our bodies via the sensitive mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and eyes and then leave again the same way. If the mucous membranes are moist and well supplied with blood, they can fight off most intruders quite well. Dry heating air can cause the mucous membranes to become drier, thereby impairing their protective function. Together with the higher pathogen load in enclosed spaces, the risk of infection increases. Cold also has a negative effect on the protective function of the mucous membranes, because cold leads to less blood flow to the outer regions of the body. The body tries to keep the heat inside. However, the mucous membranes can no longer be supplied with antibodies as well, because the antibodies are also transported via the blood to possible sources of infection.
Why cold is a risk factor for cystitis
For this reason, bladder infections occur more frequently in cold weather, because pathogens can also migrate into the body through the mucous membranes of the urethra. In cold weather, the legs, right down to the pelvic area, are particularly affected by reduced blood flow. This is why you get cold feet so quickly. And the colder the feet, the more blood flow is reduced. A real vicious circle. Bladder infections are usually caused by Escherichia coli bacteria. E. coli is part of the intestinal microbiome and is involved in useful metabolic processes there, such as the production of vitamin K. However, coli bacteria can also enter the urethra via the anus. This can be encouraged by incorrect hygiene, such as cleaning the anus from back to front. Since the urethra is closer to the anus in women than in men, women also have a significantly higher risk of infection. In addition, the female urethra is much shorter than that of men. Bacteria can therefore enter the bladder more quickly and spread there without first being flushed out with urine.
How do you protect yourself from a bladder infection?
Adequate fluid intake is therefore particularly important to protect yourself from bladder infections. The German Nutrition Society recommends 1.5 liters per day for an adult. This helps to protect the mucous membranes from drying out. Regular urination also helps to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Warm clothing and especially warm feet help to promote blood circulation. With the thickest, most colorful wool socks and a hot drink in your hand, you can comfortably spend a few hours outside in winter. However, sitting on cold surfaces for long periods of time should be avoided. So it's the little things that can help you get through the cold season without any problems.
