A lot can be done to relieve an attack of cystitis. If the attack comes frequently and lasts for more than couple of days it is best to seek professional help. The sooner you do something the quicker the chances of getting relief .

The below mentioned tips on self - treatment might prove beneficial 1) Try and drink a glass of water every half hour for the following four to five hours. Drinking lot of water will wash out the germs . If drinking plain water is difficult then milk , weak tea or orange squash can be an option but one should avoid fizzy drinks. Drinking a lot will make going to the toilet more frequent and would cause a stinging sensation initially but as the urine gets diluted with drinking , the stinging will start going away .

2)  In case of pain in the abdomen , wrapping a hot water bottle in a towel and putting it next to ones skin without burning it could be of some help . If the pain is excruciating take two tablets of mild pain killer ( But not on an empty stomach).

3) To some extent alkalizing the urine helps to eradicate the germs and also soothe the bladder. Using bicarbonate of soda, 5ml (1 tea spoon) in half a glass of water, two or three times a day, makes the urine less acidic and this stops the bacteria from multiplying. It soothes the urine passage and relieves the burning .

On following the self techniques there is a very good chance of clearing the attack , however engaging oneself in reading a book or watching a movie on television will help take one's mind off the condition.