Wednesday, 20 June 2007

Billie Piper: My cystitis agony

The actress battles with this painful illness

Billie Piper was a chart-topping pop star by the age of 15, married to millionaire DJ Chris Evans at 18 and now, she's an award-winning actress. However, none of that makes her immune from the uncomfortable health complaint cystitis.

'You get some women who say: "Oh, I think I've got cystitis, I might have some cranberry juice." But that's not cystitis! Cystitis is when you're crying and writhing around and you're in such agony you can't leave the house,' says the star.

But Billie, who was rushed to hospital shortly before she was due on stage in the theatre show Treats, may be being a little harsh.

Stress can bring on an attack

'Cystitis can indeed leave sufferers writhing around in agony,' says GP Dr Charles Armstrong, 'but many women have much less severe symptoms. If problems do persist, see your doctor to rule out an STD and to prescribe antibiotics.'

Billie, who split from Chris in 2004, has said that she finds stage work harder than her recent stint as Rose Tyler in the hit TV series Doctor Who.

'Theatre's a very different discipline to television,' she admits. 'With TV you have to concentrate very hard for five minutes, then you have a break. Theatre's much more focused and stressful.'

This could account for her recent trip to hospital, says Dr Armstrong. 'Stress can bring on an attack of cystitis, as can a bad diet with lots of alcohol or too little water.'

I was having wild nights out and my body started to complain

Billie has suffered with the infection since her teens.

'The problem started when I was much younger and pushing myself to promote one of my early albums,' she says. 'I was having wild nights out on the town and working 16 hours a day and my body started to complain.

'A bladder infection moved up to my kidneys and I started to pee blood. The next thing I knew, I was in hospital.'

Billie isn't the only celebrity to suffer. Model Caprice recently admitted to taking medication for recurring cystitis.

'In the past I've had to cancel work because of it,' says Billie. 'I got it again just after I met Chris. We were at a five-star hotel in Madeira. Love's young dream? No, a burnt-out 18-year-old with recurring cystitis. It was agony.'

CYSTITIS - THE FACTS

What is it?
An infection of the bladder, especially common in women. Two million British women get it every year and attacks can last for a few days.

What causes it?
Bacteria travels up the urethra and grows in the bladder, causing infection and inflammation. Tampons, lots of sex and 'holding on' when you need the toilet can all cause it, as can using soap, shower gel or vaginal deodorants.

What are the symptoms?
A burning sensation when urinating, feeling like you need to go to the toilet when your bladder is empty, dark cloudy urine or passing small, painful amounts of urine. More serious cases can cause blood in the urine, feeling unwell and pain in your abdomen or lower back.

How's it treated?
If your symptoms are fairly mild, take a painkiller and drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and sex. Drinking cranberry juice can help, but go to see your GP or pharmacist if symptoms persist. Your pharmacist may give you a product containing sodium citrate to make urine less acidic.

To find out more, visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Sally Richardson