Cystitis
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about cystitis.
What is Cystitis?
Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection that affects the bladder, usually caused by bacteria traveling from the urethra. It is most common in women. Cystitis can be acute for a short period, chronic, or recurrent.
What are the symptoms of Cystitis?
- The symptoms of cystitis include:
- Pain and burning during urination.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Blood in the urine.
- The need to urinate more than usual.
- Dark, cloudy, or strong-smelling urine.
Elderly individuals with dementia may experience incontinence, shivering, or behavioral changes.
- Some symptoms in children include:
- High fever.
- Incontinence.
- Loss of appetite.
Weakness and confusion.
What causes Cystitis?
- Cystitis often occurs when bacteria from waste enter the urethra and travel into the bladder. For example, urine typically flows from the kidneys through the ureters to the bladder, and bacteria that enter the urinary tract are expelled during urination, but some may adhere to the urethra or bladder wall and multiply. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of this bacterial transfer include:
- Women are more susceptible due to the shorter distance from the urethra to the bladder.
- Not drinking enough water and fluids leads to dehydration.
- Urinary retention and difficulty emptying the bladder.
- Cleaning the area from back to front after using the restroom.
- Menopause.
- Sexual intercourse.
- Pregnancy.
- Previous urinary tract infections.
- Some diuretic medications, like certain diabetes drugs.
- Urinary catheters.
- Urethral stricture.
- Some contraceptive methods, like topical creams.
- Kidney stones.
- Diabetes.
- Enlarged prostate.
Weak immune system.
How is Cystitis diagnosed?
- The doctor will take a medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
- Laboratory urinalysis.
If the urinary infection is chronic, severe, or recurrent, procedures like cystoscopy, imaging, or urodynamic testing may be performed.
What are the treatment methods for Cystitis?
- The treatment involves several procedures as needed, which may include:
- Pain relievers.
- Antibiotics as directed by the treating physician.
Increasing fluid intake.
- The duration of treatment depends on:
- The severity of the inflammation.
- The duration of symptoms, as some symptoms may disappear on their own in a short time.
- Recurring infections.
If there are other problems in the urinary tract.
- How can Cystitis be prevented?
- Ensure personal hygiene and proper cleaning after using the restroom.
- Drink plenty of water and use the restroom regularly.
- Keep the sensitive area clean and dry.
- Urinate after sexual intercourse.
- Avoid using scented soap.
- Do not hold your urge to urinate and go immediately when you need to use the restroom.
- Do not rush during urination and ensure you empty your bladder.
Avoid foods high in sugar as they encourage bacterial growth.
What are the complications of Cystitis?
Cystitis often resolves without complications after treatment; however, one possible complication is a kidney infection if treatment is neglected.
- When should you see a doctor?
- Persistent pain during urination with no improvement in symptoms despite increased water intake.
- Discharge from the genital area.
- Presence of an odor in the urine (foul and cloudy).
- Blood in the urine.
- If you have a fever.
- If you experience back pain or flank pain.
If you are pregnant, tell your doctor about any pain you feel during urination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does burning during urination mean I have a serious disease?
Most causes of burning during urination are generally not serious. However, if it is accompanied by fever, blood in the urine, or discharge, you should see a doctor for tests to determine the cause and treatment plan
Is it necessary to conduct tests to find out the causes of burning urination?
