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Cystitis is an inflammation/infection of the bladder, which causes pain or a stinging sensation when passing water (urine) and a persistent and urgent desire to pass urine. If left untreated, cystitis can cause kidney infections.

Cystitis affects both men and women. However, cystitis is more common in women, especially if pregnant, sexually active, or post-menopausal.

Typically, cystitis is caused by the introduction of bacteria into the urinary tract. The bacteria enter the urinary tract via the urethra and begin to multiply due to the moist and warm environment.

In women, sexual activity may increase the chance for bacteria to be introduced into the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections in men are rarely caused by sexual activity. These forms of bladder infection are known as community-acquired.

Hospital-acquired bladder infections occur in those who are in some type of medical care facility, such as a nursing home or hospital. In these instances, cystitis is generally caused in those who have had a catheter placed into the bladder through the urethra.

While bacteria cause the most common forms of cystitis, there are several non-infectious types that may occur.

Interstitial cystitis – It is not clear what causes this type of chronic bladder inflammation. Most of the diagnoses are among women, and the condition may be quite hard to treat.

Drug-induced cystitis – Chemotherapy drugs, such as cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, may cause bladder inflammation as the waste-components of these drugs exit the body through the urinary tract.

Radiation cystitis – Treatment in the pelvic area using radiation may cause bladder inflammation.

Foreign-body cystitis – Introducing an item into the bladder through the urethra may cause urinary tract infections. This is most commonly found in the long-term use of a urinary catheter.

Chemical cystitis – Certain chemicals in products, such as spermicidal jellies, bubble bath, or feminine hygiene sprays, may cause an allergic reaction in the bladder, which could result in cystitis.

Other conditions that may cause cystitis include gynecological cancers, tuberculosis, lupus, diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease, endometriosis, and other pelvic inflammatory disorders.

There are many recognisable symptoms that are caused by cystitis. These include: Small amounts of urine passed on a frequent basis The persistent and strong urge to urinate Urination that causes a burning sensation Urine that is murky or clouded Urine with amounts of blood in it Urine that presents a strong odour Pelvic discomfort Unrelieved lower abdominal pressure Slight fever

Children may also be affected by cystitis. In addition to the previously mentioned symptoms, children may also suffer from episodes of enuresis (accidental wetting). This is especially true if the wetting occurs during both the night and the day and at least once per week. One thing to keep in mind is that bed-wetting, by itself, is not necessarily a symptom of cystitis.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, or additional symptoms, such as side or back pain, fever and chills, or nausea and vomiting, you should immediately call a doctor. You may also consult with our doctors via this Web site. You should also consider calling a doctor if symptoms of cystitis return or present themselves after you’ve finished prescribed antibiotics.

Bladder infections are often quite painful, however, there are ways to help relieve the pain.

Heating pads – Placing a heating pad over your lower abdomen or pelvic area may help relieve the pressure or pain.

Drink lots of water – If you’re experiencing pain from cystitis, drink plenty of water or other fluids that do not contain alcohol, caffeine, or citrus. You should also avoid spicy foods until your cystitis is gone.

Bathing – Fill your bathtub with warm water and soak in it for about twenty-minutes. This may help relieve some of the pressure in your lower pelvic area and reduce the pain associated with cystitis.

In most cases, bacterial cystitis will be treated with antibiotics, such as Trimethoprim, which is a synthetic antibiotic that will kill the bacteria that causes cystitis. Your doctor will prescribe a treatment based on your overall health and the type of bacteria that is causing the condition.

Within a day or two of treatment, the symptoms of cystitis will improve significantly. However, you should always take the entire course of antibiotics. This will help to avert recurring cystic infections, and it will also help to ensure that the bacteria does not become antibiotic-resistant by eradicating it completely.

If you have ongoing or recurring bladder infections, your doctor may prescribe a longer treatment plan. Recent studies have also shown that taking an antibiotic after sexual intercourse may help prevent bladder infections in women.

Cystitis infections that are hospital acquired require a much stronger regimen of medications. In many cases, hospital-born bacterial infections are unaffected by ordinary antibiotic therapies. If this is the case, your doctor may prescribe a treatment that involves multiple antibiotics.

Since the causes of interstitial cystitis are not always known, there is not a specific treatment plan that is always effective for every case. Some therapies for these types of infections include medications, bladder manipulation, surgery, and nerve stimulation.

While it may be hard to avoid cystitis in certain situations, it may be possible to prevent it by doing the following:

If you are male and suspect you have cystitis, we strongly advise that you see your own doctor as soon as possible as cystitis in males requires a mandatory investigation.

This service should be used only if you are female and have been diagnosed with cystitis before, and can recognise the symptoms when they reoccur.

The Co-operative Doctor can provide you with a free online consultation, and if deemed suitable will be able to prescribe Trimethoprim, the most widely used antibiotic for cystitis treatment. It will cure over 90% of urine infections.

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