Cystitis: Causes and Treatment

Cystitis: Causes and Treatment

Cystitis is one of the most common complaints in gynecology, characterized by inflammation of the urinary bladder.

Urinary Tract Infections

Doctors diagnose cystitis when there is inflammation of the urinary bladder, which is one of the urinary tract infections. Doctors diagnose cystitis when there is inflammation of the urinary bladder, which is one of the urinary tract infections. Patients suffer from frequent urges to urinate and are compelled to urinate repeatedly. Urinary bladder infections are usually harmless and easily treatable.Patients suffer from frequent urges to urinate and are compelled to urinate repeatedly. Urinary bladder infections are usually harmless and easily treatable.

Doctors diagnose cystitis when there is inflammation of the urinary bladder, which is one of the urinary tract infections. Patients suffer from frequent urges to urinate and are compelled to urinate repeatedly. Urinary bladder infections are usually harmless and easily treatable.

What Is Cystitis?

Under normal physiological conditions, the urinary tract is sterile, meaning it is free of microorganisms. In most cases, infection occurs through the urethra.

In women, due to the short distance between the opening of the urethra, the vagina, and the anus, bacteria can more easily enter the urinary bladder. Uncomplicated cystitis is the most common urinary tract infection and can occur multiple times in a woman's lifetime.

Diagnosing Cystitis

Your doctor will perform a medical examination and inquire about your symptoms. Then, you may undergo:

  • Urine analysis to check for bacteria, blood, or pus in the urine.
  • Urine culture to determine the type of bacteria present.

Urology in Switzerland is represented by world-renowned specialists and private clinics equipped with advanced equipment for the treatment and early detection of urinary system problems. Treatment in Switzerland Treatment in Switzerland includes a comprehensive medical examination and addressing the causes of recurrent cystitis.

Causes of Cystitis

There are many causes of cystitis, but we will focus on infectious cystitis, particularly bacterial cystitis, as it is the most common form and easier to trace back to its causes.

It's important to remember that:

  • When cystitis recurs over time, it's essential to consult a doctor to rule out factors that promote infections.
  • Bacteria causing cystitis are typically present in the intestinal flora and can enter the urinary tract from there.
  • Cystitis is more frequent in women, especially during their childbearing years, due to anatomical factors and behaviors.
  • Do not underestimate cystitis if it occurs frequently; consult a doctor to prevent complications and kidney damage.

Symptoms of Cystitis

  • Lower abdominal pain
  • A feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area
  • Frequent urination
  • Urgency, an immediate need to urinate, sometimes with urge incontinence
  • Burning and/or pain during urination
  • A sensation of incomplete emptying
  • Hematuria (blood in the urine)

These symptoms may appear simultaneously or individually, and their intensity, quantity, or frequency may vary over time.

These symptoms are not unique to cystitis. Therefore, only a proper evaluation by a doctor can conclusively attribute the symptoms to bladder inflammation and rule out other pathologies.

It can also affect your menIt can also affect your mental state. Some individuals dealing with cystitis may experience depression or anxiety.

In small children, daytime wetting when they are usually dry can also be a sign. Bedwetting at night is usually not associated with cystitis. Children with cystitis may also feel weak and have difficulty holding food.

Signs of cystitis in small children and infants should be taken very seriously. It could indicate vesicoureteral reflux, where urine flows back into the body instead of exiting during urination.

Contact your doctor if you have:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Symptoms that persist for more than a few hours
  • Symptoms that return after discontinuing antibiotics

Seek immediate help if you have signs of a kidney infection, such as:

  • High fever
  • Pain in the side or back
  • Chills and shaking
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach upset

Treatment

For most patients, a urinary bladder infection will resolve on its own within a few days. Treatment aims to expedite the healing process and prevent complications or recurrences.

Useful methods include drinking 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily and carbonated beverages. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics to combat the causative bacteria, typically in tablet or capsule form. The antibiotic's effects often become noticeable within a few hours, sometimes only after a day or two.

Urinary bladder infections are generally harmless, and antibiotics are usually sufficient to clear the infection within a few days. Serious complications are rare.