Cystitis Symptoms

Cystitis is the inflammation of one's bladder. A majority of the time, a bacterial infection is the cause of the inflammation. This bacterial infection is commonly known as a urinary tract infection. It affects mostly women, but anyone can get it. There are many symptoms that are associated with cystitis. If these symptoms are not treated for promptly, the infection can spread to the kidneys, which will lead to other health problems.

Causes

• Cystitis is commonly caused by a bacterial infection. Most cystitis cases are caused by the E. coli bacteria, which is a common bowel bacteria. The infection occurs once the bacteria enters the urinary tract system and begins multiplying at a rapid rate. Women are more prone to getting cystitis because their bowel opening is near their urethra. The urethra is a tube that connects the bladder to the outside of an individual's body. It allows urine to flow outside of the body. If the urethra becomes contaminated with the bowel bacteria, the bacteria can move up the urethra and into the bladder, resulting in inflammation.

Symptoms

• The symptoms for cystitis include: a burning and painful sensation while urinating, a strong urge to urinate, blood in the urine, foul-smelling urine, pain in the pelvic area, pressure in the lower abdomen area, and fever. Some other symptoms that you may feel are fatigue, painful intercourse, chills, nausea and vomiting. At times, these symptoms will clear up within a day or two. If the symptoms continue to persist, then see a physician as soon as possible.

Diagnosis

• If you feel you may have cystitis, consult with your physician immediately. The physician may order certain tests to be performed for a correct diagnosis. One of these tests is a urine analysis. This is when you are asked to give a urine sample that is then tested for any signs of bacteria, pus or blood. Another test that may be done is a cystoscopy, where the bladder is examined with a cystoscope. A cystoscope is a slim tube with a camera and a small light attached to it. The tube is then inserted into the bladder through the urethra.

Treatment

• Taking antibiotics is usually the main treatment for cystitis. The symptoms normally clear up within a few days after beginning treatment. Depending on how severe the infection is, you may be prescribed to take the antibiotics for at least four days or up to a week. It is always best to use the entire treatment of antibiotics prescribed even if the symptoms may seem to be gone. This is to ensure that the infection will be completely destroyed. If an individual gets cystitis frequently, her physician may recommend a longer treatment of antibiotics or may refer her to a urologist.

Prevention

• There are several steps you can take in order to avoid the risk of getting cystitis. One is to drink plenty of water and liquids such as cranberry juice. Cranberry juice is beneficial in protecting the body from the E. coli bacteria. Don't drink cranberry juice if you are taking any blood-thinner medication, because it may cause bleeding. Also, if you feel the urge to urinate, do not wait. Try to urinate as often as possible. After having a bowel movement, be sure to wipe from front to back in order to prevent the bacteria from the anal area from spreading to the urethra or vaginal area. Infections can also be prevented by taking showers rather than baths.