Cystitis (Bladder Infection)

What Are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of bladder inflammation (cystitis) typically include a feeling of discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen, the need to urinate frequently (with only a small amount of urine being passed), and pain during urination. This pain is usually sharp and is most noticeable at the end of urination. The inflammation may be accompanied by a fever. Blood may appear in the urine.

In more advanced stages of a urinary tract infection, fever, chills, a higher amount of blood in the urine, and lower back pain may occur, which usually indicates that the infection has spread from the bladder and has likely affected the kidneys as well.

Who is at risk

Bladder infections are caused by bacteria that enter the bladder through the urethra, usually from the rectal area, and infect the mucous membrane.

Women are at greater risk for urinary tract infections because their urethra opens closer to the anus than men’s and, more importantly, is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. In men, urinary tract infections occur more frequently after age 40.

In addition to poor genital hygiene, a number of other factors contribute to the development of urinary tract infections, including risky sexual behavior and a lack of hygiene during sex. Failure to drink enough fluids or holding in urine can also contribute to the development of an infection.

People with diabetes are among those at higher risk for bladder infections. Their urine contains more sugar, and bacteria can more easily survive and multiply in this sweeter environment.

As with kidney infections, a risk factor for bladder infections is vesicoureteral reflux, a condition in which some of the urine present in the bladder occasionally flows back into the ureters.

How the examination and diagnosis are conducted

How do we treat cystitis?

The basic treatment for a bladder infection consists of administering antibiotics. We select them according to the specific bacteria responsible for the infection. An important prerequisite for successful treatment is rest and maintaining an adequate fluid intake, as bacteria need to be flushed out of the body. The best choices are plain water and herbal teas, or alternatively cranberry juice. Over-the-counter pain medication can be used to relieve discomfort.