What is Cystitis?
- Inflammation of the bladder
- Most commonly caused by a bacterial infection
- A type of urinary tract infection (UTI)
- More common in women than men
- Can be acute or chronic
What causes Cystitis?
- Bacteria entering the urethra and reaching the bladder
- Most common bacteria is Escherichia coli (E coli)
- Sexual activity
- Poor hygiene or wiping back to front
- Use of catheters
- Menopause and hormonal changes
- Blockages in the urinary tract
- Use of irritating feminine hygiene products
What are the symptoms of Cystitis?
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation during urination
- Passing small amounts of urine often
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Lower abdominal pressure or cramping
- Feeling tired or unwell
- Low-grade fever in some cases
How is Cystitis diagnosed?
- Urine sample for urinalysis and urine culture
- Physical exam and discussion of symptoms
- Imaging tests like ultrasound if infections are recurrent
- Cystoscopy if other causes are suspected
How is Cystitis treated?
Antibiotics
- Most bladder infections treated with oral antibiotics
- Duration depends on severity and frequency
- Follow full course even if symptoms improve early
Pain relief
- Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Phenazopyridine for urinary pain relief (short-term use only)
- Warm compress on the lower abdomen
Lifestyle and self-care
- Drink plenty of water to flush bacteria
- Urinate frequently and completely
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods during infection
- Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes
What are the complications of untreated Cystitis?
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
- Blood in urine
- Chronic bladder infections
- Urethral narrowing in men
- Sepsis in severe untreated cases
How can Cystitis be prevented?
- Wipe front to back after using the toilet
- Urinate after sexual activity
- Drink adequate fluids daily
- Avoid irritating hygiene sprays or douches
- Do not hold urine for long periods
- Take showers instead of bubble baths
- Use proper catheter hygiene if needed
When to see a doctor?
- Symptoms lasting more than a day or two
- Blood in urine
- Fever, chills, or back pain
- Frequent or recurring bladder infections
- Symptoms during pregnancy or if you have a medical condition