High ambient temperatures combined with excessive perspiration and reduced urinary output may predispose individuals to lower urinary tract inflammation. Common presenting symptoms include:
- Dark yellow urine
- Dysuria (burning sensation during or after urination)
- Increased urinary frequency
- Suprapubic discomfort
These findings are consistent with lower urinary tract infection (UTI) involving both the bladder and urethra—clinically referred to as cystourethritis.
Clinical Classification
- Urethritis: Pain localized to the urethral tract
- Cystitis: Suprapubic or lower abdominal pain
These conditions frequently co-exist and are collectively termed cystourethritis.
Acute Cystourethritis: Key Symptoms
- Frequency: Voiding every 30–60 minutes, occasionally more often
- Urgency: Sudden, compelling need to urinate
- Dysuria: Burning pain post-micturition, possibly radiating to the perineum or suprapubic region
- Pyuria or microscopic haematuria: Cloudy urine or presence of red blood cells on urinalysis
- Systemic signs: Fever is typically absent
Chronic Cystourethritis
- Symptoms are less intense
- Daytime polyuria and nocturia (3–4 episodes nightly)
- History of recurrent acute flares
- Urinalysis may reveal proteinuria, haematuria, and pyuria
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Interpretation
In TCM, this condition is classified as Re Lin (熱淋)—a heat-induced urinary disorder attributed to damp-heat accumulation in the lower burner.
TCM symptom profile:
- Painful, difficult urination
- Burning sensation
- Dark yellow, concentrated urine
- Frequent and urgent voiding
Herbal Protocol: “Huo Fu Dan” (火府丹)
This formula is designed to:
- Clear internal heat
- Eliminate dampness
- Detoxify
- Promote diuresis
It is considered safe for short-term use during acute episodes.
Base Composition
| Ingredient | Dosage |
| Radix Rehmannia (生地黃 Sheng Di Huang) | 15g |
| Akebia quinata Thunb Decne (木通 Mu Tong) | 10g |
| Radix Scutellaria (黃芩 Huang Qin) | 6g |
| Flos Lonicerae Japonicae (金銀花 Jin Yin Hua) | 18g |
| Herba Taraxaci (蒲公英 Pu Gong Ying) | 18g |
| Herba Violae (紫花地丁 Zi Hua Di Ding) | 18g |
| Talcum (滑石 Hua Shi) | 12g |
| Polyporus (豬苓 Zhu Ling) | 12g |
| Herba Plantaginis (車前草 Che Qian Cao) | 30g |
Formula Modifications
- For severe urethral pain: Add Spora Lygodii (海金沙 Hai Jin Sha) – 10g
- For pyuria or haematuria: Add Herba Cirsii (小薊 Xiao Ji) – 12g and Rhizoma Imperatae (白茅根 Bai Mao Gen) – 15g
This protocol is also applicable to post-coital cystitis, commonly referred to as “honeymoon cystitis.”
Supportive Lifestyle Measures
- Maintain adequate hydration
- Consume a light, easily digestible diet
- Ensure sufficient rest and recovery
These interventions aid symptom resolution and reduce recurrence risk.
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