Cystitis is inflammation of the urinary bladder. The major cause of cystitis is a bacterial infection called UTI (urinary tract infection). This bladder infection can become serious if left untreated as it travels to the vital organs such as kidneys.
Cystitis is not gender specific. Approximately 80% of all urinary tract infections are caused by Escherichia coli.
Interstitial cystitis- is also called painful bladder syndrome. This is a chronic condition in which there would be a pressure build up, pain in the bladder and sometimes pelvic pain too.
There are many causes, but the major cause is due to the infection when bacteria enter from the external genitourinary structures.
The common signs and symptoms of cystitis include;
Low-grade fever
Pungent smell in the urine
Urgency to urine frequently
Discomfort in the pelvic area
Presence of blood in the urine
Passing small amounts of urine
Burning sensation during urination
In young children with cystitis, there may be signs of bed wetting during day and night times.
Women are more likely to develop bladder infections; the main reason is the anatomy of the women’s urinary system.
Risk factors include:
Inserting tampons
Menopausal phase
Sexually active women
Incomplete bladder emptying
Other kidney related problems
Frequent or vigorous sexual activity
Certain drugs such as birth control pills
Your doctor would take the medical history and perform a urine analysis. It may be a laboratory test or simply a dipstick test. A urine culture or urine cauterized specimen is performed to detect the type of bacteria present in the urine. If you are a person who is frequently hit by cystitis, then your doctor would order for further more tests such as an x-ray, or a cystoscopy of the bladder.
Call your doctor immediately if you have cystitis symptoms that are common in leading to kidney infection:
If you have back pain
If you develop painful urination
If you have frequent chills and fever
If you experience nausea and vomiting
In many cases, if the cystitis is mild, it resolves itself within few days. If it persists for a longer time, then you must discuss with your doctor, he/she would choose an appropriate cystitis treatment plan.
An antibiotic course for three days is prescribed or 7 to 10 days course is prescribed based on the symptoms of cystitis.
You would experience symptomatic improvement after a day of using antibiotics itself. But you must not discontinue the course of antibiotics till it is completed.
Treatment for interstitial cystitisInterstitial cystitis treatment includes:
Physical therapyPhysical therapy relieves pain that is associated with muscle tenderness, or any muscle abnormalities near the pelvic floor.
Oral medicationsAvoiding alcohol
Taking painkillers
Drinking plenty of fluids
Refraining from sex while infected
Having a sitz bath for 15 to 20 minutes, to help prevent pain and discomfort
Using heat pad possibly minimizes the pressure on the bladder or any sort of pain.
The following measure may help prevent cystitis:
Wearing cotton underwear
Using lubricant while having sex
Emptying the bladder completely
Practicing good hygiene after sex
Wiping the anus from front to back
Avoiding tight pants and underwear
Avoiding the postponement of urine passage
