Bladder infection - cystitis
Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, often caused by a bladder infection.
Bladder infections may be caused by the following:
Incomplete emptying of the bladder - for example, due to pregnancy or an enlarged prostate
Damage or irritation around the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the bladder).
Bacteria passed from the anus to the urethra - eg. during intercourse
Symptoms of cystitis include
- Urgent and frequent need to urinate;
- Painful or burning urination;
- Bladder pain;
- Cystitis in women.
Cystitis is more common in women because they have a shorter urethra. In addition, the entrance to the urethra is closer to the anus (back body), which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder from the anus and cause a bladder infection.
Almost all women will develop cystitis at least once in their lifetime. Every fifth woman who has already had cystitis develops a relapse (recurrent cystitis). Cystitis can develop at any age, but this pathology is more common:
- in pregnant women;
- in women with an active sex life;
- In women who have gone through menopause.
Cystitis in men
Cystitis in men is a less common, but more serious pathology caused by:
- bladder or prostate infection, such as prostatitis;
- Obstruction of the urinary tract, such as from a tumour or an enlarged prostate;
- In conditions of fast and effective treatment, cystitis in men is often not a serious pathology, although it can cause very severe pain.
Symptoms of cystitis
Symptoms of cystitis in children and adults may be different.
In adults, cystitis causes:
- painful, burning urination;
- Urgent and frequent need to urinate, but passing only a small amount of urine;
- Urine that is dark, cloudy in color or has a strong odour;
- traces of blood in the urine (hematuria);
- Pain in the lower abdomen (above the groin), lower back, or abdomen;
- Weakness or weakness.
Symptoms of cystitis in children are:
- weakness
- irritability;
- decreased appetite;
- Vomiting
- Painful urination.
When to consult a doctor
Symptoms of cystitis may be caused by other pathologies, so in case of the presence of these symptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor.
For women, a visit to the doctor is necessary if they develop symptoms of cystitis for the first time or if they have suffered 3 cases of cystitis during the year. Symptoms of cystitis may be caused by other pathologies, so it is very important to visit a doctor if they develop.
Symptoms of cystitis can cause:
- sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea or chlamydia;
- infection with various bacteria, for example E. coli;
- Vaginal thrush, also known as yeast infection;
- inflammation of the urethra (urethritis);
- urethral syndrome (only in women);
- Inflammation of the prostate gland - prostatitis.
Treatment of cystitis
Mild cystitis often resolves within a few days. It can be treated at home, you should take painkillers (eg paracetamol or ibuprofen) and plenty of fluids. You will speed up the treatment if you refrain from sexual intercourse during cystitis, as this may cause the pathology to worsen. More severe cystitis may require treatment with antibiotics.
Prevention of cystitis
It is not always possible to prevent cystitis, but sometimes you can help to avoid it:
- If you don't use scented baths, soaps or talcum powder around the genitals - use fragrance-free washes;
- Take a shower instead of a bath - this protects the genitals from long-term contact with chemicals contained in detergents;
- Always empty your bladder completely when using the toilet;
- Do not hold back physiological needs - delaying urination may increase pressure on the bladder, making this organ more susceptible to infections;
- Instead of synthetic (e.g. nylon), wear cotton underwear;
- Avoid wearing tight jeans and pants;
- Some patients report that certain types of foods and drinks make cystitis worse—for example, coffee, fruit juice, or spicy foods—if any factors cause cystitis to flare up, it's best to avoid them.
