Cystitis is the name given to an inflammation of the bladder, making that area of the body red, irritated or swollen. In the great majority of instances a urinary tract infection is the reason for developing cystitis, which occurs when bacteria enters the urethra or bladder and starts to multiply. An outbreak can also take place when bacteria that naturally occurs within the human body starts to become imbalanced, causing an infection and leading to inflammation.
An infection is not always the cause of cystitis however; inflammation can also be caused by certain hygiene products and even medication. The underlying cause of the cystitis outbreak will determine the nature of the treatment. In most cases, cystitis occurs suddenly, or is acute, but there are long-term, chronic cases known as interstitial cystitis. Women tend to be the most common sufferers of cystitis, though anyone can actually be affected.
Cystitis symptoms can include:
• Constant feeling of needing to urinate, even immediately after emptying bladder
• A low fever combined with a urinary tract infection
• Pain caused by sexual intercourse
• Cramping in abdomen or back
• Strong smelling or cloudy urine
• Blood in urine
• Sensations of fullness or pressure in bladder
Bladder infections that spread to the kidneys can become a more serious health issue.
As well as the aforementioned symptoms, bladder infection symptoms include:
• Nausea
• Pain in the back or the side
• Vomiting
• Chills
Two symptoms, blood in the urine and fever, are not specific symptoms of cystitis itself, but can occur together with other symptoms caused by a kidney infection. If you believe you may have a kidney infection, it is important to seek out medical attention as soon as possible, or at least consult with an online doctor service.
Cystitis can be different depending on the underlying cause. There are number of potential causes of cystitis, including:
• Urinary tract infection
• Being exposed to radiation
• Irritation from hygiene products
• The consumption of certain drugs
• Continual use of a catheter
There are a number of different types of cystitis, including:
1. Bacterial cystitis, an infection caused by bacteria entering the bladder or urethra, or a bacterial imbalance. Bacterial cystitis should be quickly treated to avoid the condition spreading to the kidneys.
2. Radiation cystitis. The bladder can become inflamed by radiation treatment for cancer cells and tumours in the pelvic area.
3. Drug-induced cystitis, caused by certain medications which pass through the human body, exiting via the urinary system. The bladder can become irritated by certain medications as they leave your body in this manner.
4. Foreign body cystitis. A catheter is a tube that is used to help release urine from the bladder, but ongoing use can increase the chance of bacterial infection, and cause tissue within the urinary tract to be damaged, both of which can result in inflammation.
5. Chemical cystitis. The bladder can become irritated by certain hygiene products such as spermicidal jelly, feminine hygiene sprays, chemicals in bubble baths, and the use of a diaphragm with spermicide.
6. Other conditions. Cystitis can also take place as a side effect of other medical problems including diabetes, HIV, spinal injuries, kidney stones and an enlarged prostate.
There are a number of possible cystitis treatments, ranging from surgery and medications to home care. Bacterial cystitis is commonly treated with antibiotics, which can also be effective for interstitial cystitis, depending on the underlying cause of the condition.
Cystitis can be treated by surgery, though it will rarely be any doctor’s first choice, and is only used when the condition is chronic and the cause is a structural issue. Discomfort caused by the symptoms of cystitis can be treated with home care including pain relievers that can be purchased over the counter such as acetaminophen, sitz baths to help clean the pelvic area, and the application of heating pads to the back or abdomen. Other methods of home therapy include:
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Avoiding any beverages or food items you believe worsen your symptoms
• Cranberry juice or tablets
• Wearing loose fitting clothes and cotton underwear
It is crucial to treat the underlying cause of cystitis immediately, though the outlook for sufferers is generally good.