Cystitis Disease

Cystitis is an infection that causes the bladder to become inflamed. The term Cystitis is also used for different infections of the lower urinary system. It is usually caused by bacteria and is also called a urinary tract infection (UTI). People suffering from Cystitis experience a burning sensation while urinating and also feel the need to urinate frequently. Cystitis that is caused by bacteria is easily treatable through antibiotics, but if it is left untreated it can affect the kidneys and become very dangerous.

Symptoms

• The most common symptoms of Cystitis include: urge to urinate frequently; pain and burning sensations during urination; and putrid-smelling urine. People with Cystitis also feel a constant discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. If the infection worsens, it can also cause a mild fever. In some cases patients might also pass blood with their urine. The symptoms of Cystitis in young children are less apparent, and include increased petulance, small appetite, weakness and nausea. Cystitis can also be one of the causes of bed-wetting in children.

Causes

• The most common cause of Cystitis is a bacterial infection of the bladder and the urinary tract. Cystitis is common in women and rare in men; but men with prostate enlargement or prostate infections can also be affected. Urinary tract infections might be a side-effect of certain medications used in chemotherapy. Some people might also experience Cystitis as an allergic reaction to certain chemicals in bathing products. In women, excessive sexual intercourse can bruise the bladder and lead to an infection.

Types

• Different types of Cystitis include: Chronic Cystitis, Interstitial Cystitis, Autoimmune Interstitial Cystitis, and Eosinophilic Cystitis. People who are frequently affected by Cystitis, suffer from Chronic Cystitis. Chronic Cystitis can cause structural changes in the bladder and make it vulnerable to more serious infections. Cystitis that is not caused by bacterial infection and has no apparent cause is called Interstitial Cystitis. Autoimmune Interstitial Cystitis is caused by a disorder of the body's immune system. Eosinophilic Cystitis is characterized by blood in the urine. In this type of Cystitis, the infection is so severe that it takes the appearance of a tumor-like growth in the bladder.

Treatment

• It is important that Cystitis is treated as soon as possible because if it spreads to the kidneys and urethra, it can become very serious. Since the major cause of Cystitis is bacterial infection, the most common treatment is the use of antibiotics. Patients should get their blood tested before deciding which antibiotic to use. Interstitial Cystitis might not be treatable by over-the-counter antibiotics because it is not caused by bacterial infections. Treatments for Interstitial Cystitis include prescription medicine, nerve stimulation and surgery.

Prevention

• Since Cystitis is mostly caused by bacterial infections, it is important to practice proper hygiene. Women are especially susceptible to Cystitis, but they can avoid it by taking preventative measures. They should keep themselves properly hydrated, by drinking lots of water. Cranberry juice is known to contain chemicals that cleanse the blood and remove bacteria from the urinary tract. To reduce chances of infection after sexual intercourse, women should empty their bladder as soon as possible.