Acute Cystitis (Bladder Infection)

Definition

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder. The bladder is the part of the urinary tract that collects the urine from the kidneys.

Causes

The urinary tract normally contains no microorganisms. However, sometimes bacteria or yeast from the lower gastrointestinal tract or rectal area enter the urinary tract, usually through the urethra (tube that allows urine to pass out from the bladder). When bacteria or yeast cling to the urethra, they can multiply and infect the urethra. They can then travel up and infect the bladder.

Most cases of cystitis are caused by bacteria from the rectal area. In women, the rectum and urethra are fairly close to each other. This makes it relatively easy for bacteria to make their way into the urethra. Some women develop cystitis after a period of frequent sexual intercourse. This happens because bacteria enter the urethra during sex and cause infection.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

• Sex: female
• Being sexually active
• Using a diaphragm for birth control
• Menopause
• Abnormalities of the urinary system, including vesicoureteral reflux or polycystic kidneys
• Paraplegia and other neurologic conditions
• Sickle-cell anemia
• History of kidney transplant
• Diabetes
• Kidney stones
• Enlarged prostate
• Weak immune system
• Bladder catheter in place, or recent instrumentation of the urinary system

Symptoms

The symptoms of cystitis vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. They include:

• Frequent and urgent need to urinate
• Passing only small amounts of urine
• Pain in the abdomen or pelvic area, or in the low back
• Burning sensation during urination
• Leaking urine
• Increased need to get up at night to urinate
• Cloudy, bad-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine
• Low-grade fever

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. In addition, a sample of your urine will be tested for blood, pus, and bacteria. If bacteria are present in the urine, you will likely be diagnosed with cystitis.

Children and men who develop cystitis may require additional testing. The doctor will look to see if there are structural abnormalities of the urinary system that predispose them to infection.

Treatment

Cystitis is treated with antibiotic drugs. Antibiotics will be prescribed for at least 2 to 3 days and perhaps for as long as several weeks. The length of the treatment depends on the severity of the infection and on your personal history. You will probably start to feel better after a day or two. However, it is important that you complete the entire course of medication. Otherwise, the infection is likely to return. You may have your urine checked after you finish taking the antibiotic. This is to make sure that the infection is truly gone.

If you experience recurrent infections, your doctor may prescribe stronger antibiotics or have you take them for a longer period of time. He or she may also recommend that you take low-dose antibiotics as a preventive measure, either daily or after sexual intercourse. If you still experience recurrent infections, you may be referred to a specialist.

Pyridium is a medicine that decreases pain and bladder spasms. Taking pyridium will turn your urine and sometimes your sweat an orangish color.

Prevention

You can lessen your chance of having cystitis by preventing bacteria from entering the urinary tract. Here are some steps you can take:

• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Urinate when you have the urge and do not resist it.
• After sexual intercourse, empty your bladder and then drink a full glass of water.
• Wash genitals daily.
• Take showers instead of baths.
• If you're a woman, always wipe from the front to the back after having a bowel movement.
• Avoid using douches and feminine hygiene sprays.
• Drinking cranberry juice may help prevent and relieve cystitis.