Cystitis

Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that occurs when bacteria enter the bladder, causing inflammation and irritation. It is a common condition that affects both men and women, although it is more prevalent in women.

What is Cystitis?

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, which is the organ that stores urine in the body. The infection occurs when bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), enter the bladder through the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body. Once inside the bladder, the bacteria multiply and cause inflammation, leading to symptoms such as pain, burning, and frequent urination.

Symptoms of Cystitis

The symptoms of cystitis can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• Pain or burning while urinating (dysuria)
• Frequent urination (urinary frequency)
• Urgent need to urinate (urinary urgency)
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Pelvic pain or discomfort
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting

Causes of Cystitis

Cystitis is usually caused by bacterial infections, with E. coli being the most common culprit. Other bacteria that can cause cystitis include:

• Staphylococcus saprophyticus
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Enterococcus faecalis

Other factors that can increase the risk of developing cystitis include:

• Sexual activity
• Use of certain types of birth control, such as diaphragms or spermicides
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Weakened immune system
• Anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract

Treatments for Cystitis

The treatment for cystitis usually involves antibiotics, which are prescribed to kill the bacteria causing the infection. The type and duration of antibiotic treatment will depend on the severity of the infection and the type of bacteria present.

• Uncomplicated cystitis: typically treated with a 3-5 day course of antibiotics, such as trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole or nitrofurantoin
• Complicated cystitis: may require a longer course of antibiotics, such as 7-14 days, and may involve hospitalization if symptoms are severe
• Recurrent cystitis: may require long-term antibiotic prophylaxis or self-initiated treatment with antibiotics at the first sign of symptoms

In addition to antibiotics, other treatments that may be recommended include:

• Pain relief medications, such as phenazopyridine or ibuprofen, to help manage symptoms
• Urinary tract analgesics, such as pyridium, to help relieve pain and discomfort
• Increased fluid intake to help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract
• Urinary alkalinization agents, such as sodium bicarbonate, to help reduce acidity of the urine

Prevention of Cystitis

To reduce the risk of developing cystitis, it is recommended to:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract
• Urinate when needed and avoid holding urine for long periods
• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra
• Avoid using scented soaps, bubble baths, or douches, which can irritate the genital area and increase the risk of infection
• Practice good hygiene during sexual activity, such as using condoms and urinating after intercourse

Complications of Cystitis

If left untreated or if treatment is delayed, cystitis can lead to complications, such as:

• Pyclonephritis: a kidney infection that can cause permanent damage to the kidneys
• Sepsis: a life-threatening condition that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and cause a severe inflammatory response
• Recurrent UTIs: which can increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease or other complications

Diagnosis of Cystitis

Cystitis is typically diagnosed based on symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory tests, such as:

• Urinalysis: to check for the presence of bacteria, blood, or other abnormalities in the urine
• Urine culture: to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection
• Imaging studies, such as ultrasound or CT scans: to rule out other conditions that may be causing symptoms