|  | Conditions Treatments | Urinary Disorders

Signs & Symptoms of Cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation of the urinary tract or bladder. Most forms of cystitis are caused by a urinary tract infection and women are far more likely than men to develop any type of cysititis. A visit to a doctor is necessary to determine which type of cystitis is causing the symptoms so an effective treatment can be found.

  1. Noninfectious Cystitis

    • Noninfectious cystitis is an inflammation of the urinary tract or bladder that isn't caused by infection. Pregnant women seem to be particularly prone to this condition, according to the National Institutes of Health. Symptoms include difficulty urinating, painful urination, frequent urination and a feeling of pressure unrelated to the need to urinate. Noninfectious cystitis is usually diagnosed by ruling out a bacterial infection through a urine test.

    Acute Cystitis

    • Acute cystitis is more common among sexually active women than women who are not sexually active. Sexual activity increases contact with, and the introduction of bacteria to, the uretha, which is the opening in the body from which urine exits. Symptoms of acute cystitis appear suddenly, and can include an abnormal smell or color to the urine, pain when urinating and pain during sexual intercourse. It occurs when bacteria infects the urinary tract or bladder and is usually diagnosed with a urine test to determine which bacteria is causing the infection.

    Recurrent Cystitis

    • Cystitis is considered recurrent if a person experiences a urinary tract infection a minimum of twice within six months. According to the National Institutes of Health, between 25 percent and 50 percent of young women who get a urinary tract infection are likely to have another urinary tract infection within six months. Some people have increased risk factors for developing recurrent cystitis, including having diabetes, a family history of urinary tract infections or multiple sexual partners. Symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, smelly urine and pain when urinating.

    Interstitial Cystitis

    • Interstitial cystitis, commonly referred to as IC, is different from other forms of cystitis in that it only affects the bladder. IC is often misdiagnosed as a urinary tract infection; it is a difficult condition to diagnose. According to the National Institutes of Health, it takes an average of four years from the onset of symptoms for an accurate diagnosis. IC is a painful condition and symptoms include frequent urination and pain during intercourse.

    Treatment

    • Noninfectious cystitis is usually treated with nonmedical therapies, such as practicing exercises to strengthen the muscles around the bladder and urethra. There are some medications available to treat noninfectious cystitis that help with bladder and muscle control. Acute and recurrent cystitis are treated with antibiotic medication. It is important that a urine culture be performed first to find out which bacteria is causing the infection. Interstitial cystitis is treated with pain medications and diet modifications to reduce irritation to the bladder. In all cases of cystitis, increased fluid intake is recommended to help sweep out any irritants or bacteria. In rare cases, surgery may be necessary.

Urinary Disorders - Related Articles