Cystitis

Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder. The urinary bladder - which in normal circumstances is sterile (it does not contain any germs) - is contaminated by bacteria.

Cystitis is a fairly common infection of the lower urinary tract that affects people of both sexes but is more common in females than in men.

About 80% of infections of the lower urinary tract are caused by Escherichia coli. This particular bacteria is present in healthy bowel flora. However, pathogenic forms may pass through the urethra into the bladder and cause infections.

Causes of cystitis

There are many possible causes of cystitis:

• Using a tampon.
• Changing a catheter.
• There is a higher incidence of cystitis among women who use a diaphragm as a contraceptive device.
• When the patient does not completely empty the bladder,
• Sexually active women have a higher risk of cystitis due to bacteria entering through the urethra.
• Other kidney or bladder problems.

Symptoms of cystitis

The symptoms below are the most common signs of cystitis:

• Traces of blood in the urine
• Relatively dark urine
• Strong smelling urine
• Pain exactly above the pubic bone
• Stomach pain
• Frequent urination
• Burning feeling during urination

There are however other conditions that may have the same symptoms as cystitis. These include:

• Urethritis (inflammation of the urethra)
• Bacterial infections
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia

Diagnosing cystitis

The doctor will evaluate the blood and urine tests. Once the bacterium which is causing the infection is identified, he will give the patient the appropriate medication.
Patients who often get cystitis may need further monitoring and testing. These may include ultrasound, radiography or even cystoscopy.

Treatment for cystitis

In the majority of cases, mild cystitis will disappear within a few days without taking medication if the patient increases his water intake. Sometimes, however, it is better to use antibiotics immediately after the cystitis as this will avoid the patient experiencing unpleasant symptoms.

Older women and those with a potentially weaker immune system (such as women with diabetes) are at greater risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys and other complications.

The following treatments can help to tackle cystitis:

• Use of painkillers (paracetamol) can alleviate discomfort.
• You should drink plenty of liquids as this helps to clear the bacteria from the urinary system.
• Avoid drinking alcohol.
• Avoid sexual contact when you have cystitis.

Preventing cystitis

Some of the following tactics may be particularly useful in preventing cystitis:

• Good hygiene after every sexual contact.
• Empty the bladder completely when you urinate. Otherwise bacteria which could multiply might be left in the bladder.
• Urinate when you first feel you need to - don’t put it off until later.
• Avoid tight underwear
• Be careful when changing any urinary catheter.

Whatever your situation is, our doctors can provide you with full support to treat your cystitis and to control the causes of cystitis in the future.

  Monday, January 8, 2018