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Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, most often caused by an infection. Although the condition mainly occurs in women, it is possible to have cystitis in men as well.
Many factors influence the occurrence of cystitis. Some of them are urinary retention, fatigue, constipation, pregnancy, as well as those caused by another disease. The condition can cause discomfort, burning and pain when urinating, as well as feeling tired.
In this article, we will look at the causes of cystitis, its symptoms and how to deal with it.
Types of cystitis
There are several types of cystitis. At this point we will pay more attention to them and explain what they are characterized by.
Acute cystitis
Acute cystitis is most often caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli. The microorganism in question can be found both in the digestive tract and in other systems in the body. Its entry into the urinary system leads to frequent urges to urinate, burning and pain, and in some cases to other, more severe symptoms.
Cystitis can also occur due to a viral or fungal infection. If this problem is not addressed in time and not treated properly, it is possible to become a chronic one.
Chronic cystitis
The cause of the appearance of chronic cystitis is most often a previous disease of the urinary tract, which was not completely cured. In such cases, the symptoms subsided, but the infection remained in the body. However, it is possible that she will return at any time. Chronic cystitis can occur if your immunity decreases, or if you have been in a stressful situation, for example.
Non-infectious cystitis
Non-infectious cystitis occurs in cases where there has been a change in the chemical and biological balance of the body. Possible reasons for this to happen include trauma or medication, as well as others.
Radiation cystitis
Radiation cystitis is a type of non-infectious cystitis. It occurs with radiation, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Causes of cystitis
The causes of cystitis can be different. In the following lines, we will consider some of them in more detail.
Bacterial infections
Bacterial infections usually occur when bacteria found on the skin or in the intestines reach the bladder through the urethra. This is also one of the reasons why cystitis in men is less common. In them, the anus is located further from the urethra, which makes it difficult for bacteria to enter the bladder.
You can read more about urinary tract infections in our article here.
Inability to empty the bladder
The reason for the appearance of cystitis can be the difficult emptying of the bladder when urinating. This is due to the fact that you fail to flush out all the bacteria that are in the urinary system along with the urine. So they stay in your body, which makes their reproduction much easier.
There are some possible obstacles that prevent you from emptying your bladder completely. Among them are:
presence of a stone in the bladder that blocks the urinary system;
pregnancy;
infection;
sexually transmitted disease;
enlarged prostate gland in men.
Диабет
People who suffer from diabetes are prone to getting cystitis. This happens because of the higher levels of sugar in the urine. The environment they provide is great for bacteria to multiply. If any of these end up in the bladder, they can potentially cause cystitis.
Menopause
In some cases of menopause, the lining of the urethra shrinks due to a lack of estrogen. This can have a negative impact on the body and allow bacteria in the vagina to multiply. From there, the urethra can become infected, and the infection can also reach the bladder.
Other reasons
There are other reasons that can cause the appearance of cystitis. Some of them are:
weak immune system;
chemical irritants (such as some soaps for example);
damage after bladder surgery;
long-term use of a catheter.
Symptoms of cystitis
Signs of cystitis can be different. In milder cases of cystitis, symptoms usually go away on their own after a few days. Others may require treatment, which sometimes lasts a long time.
The most common symptoms of cystitis include:
pain and/or burning when urinating;
frequent need to go to the toilet;
pain in the lower abdomen;
darkening and turbidity of urine;
strong and intrusive smell from the urine.
Cystitis also occurs in young children. They may have some of the above mentioned symptoms as well as others. Among them are:
fever;
nausea and vomiting;
Lack of appetite;
lack of energy.
Diagnosing cystitis in toddlers is more difficult because they cannot be specific in their descriptions of what they feel is unwell.
Possible complications
Cystitis can cause some complications if not treated properly. In the following lines, we will talk in more detail about the main ones.
Kidney infection
An improperly treated infection can be the cause of the appearance of a kidney infection. In such cases, it is possible that the kidneys will be permanently damaged, which will prevent their proper functioning.
Blood in the urine
The presence of blood in the urine is not excluded in case of cystitis. Normally, blood cells can only be seen under a microscope. If such a problem is found, it can be solved with proper treatment. In some cases, however, blood cells remain in the urine even afterward. That is why it is recommended to do the necessary tests even after the termination of the therapy.
Sometimes blood in the urine can be seen with the naked eye. This requires seeing a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause of the presence of blood cells.
How to prevent recurrence of cystitis
Cystitis is a condition that can occur repeatedly. That's exactly why it's important to take steps to prevent this from happening.
Drink more fluids
Drinking fluids, especially water, is among the important steps you can take. You can also take warm herbal teas, suitable herbs include rosehip, chamomile and yarrow due to their beneficial effects on the genitourinary system. Keeping the body well hydrated will help dilute the urine and flush out the bacteria causing the problem more easily.
Do not delay urination
Often people ignore the urge to urinate. The reasons can be different, some of which are work and lack of a suitable place for the purpose. However, this has a negative effect on the body and can be a reason for the recurrence of cystitis.
Avoid using a bathtub
The bathtub is a place that people prone to infections are advised to avoid. Taking a shower is the alternative that it is desirable to stop to avoid the risk of cystitis.
Maintain good personal hygiene
Hygiene is an important step towards achieving good health. Wash the area around your genitals gently every day, but use products suitable for the purpose. Otherwise, you risk irritating the skin, which can lead to discomfort.
Treatment of cystitis
Treatment for cystitis can vary depending on your symptoms. Regardless of whether they are strong or weak, it is advisable to seek medical attention to rest assured that you have taken the right measures.
Treatment of cystitis at home
Treatment of cystitis usually occurs at home. If you haven't had a chance to see your doctor yet, there are some things you can do before your appointment to ease the discomfort. Among them are:
drinking more fluids;
going to the toilet every time you feel the need;
placing a warm or hot water bottle on your stomach and/or between your thighs;
avoiding sexual contact.
In severe pain, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol may be required to help relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation.
It is recommended that your doctor or pharmacist determine the appropriate ones for your condition.
Treatment with antibiotics
Some cases of cystitis may also require an antibiotic. Depending on how serious the problem is, the medicinal product can be taken within half a week, and sometimes up to 10 days.
An antibiotic can only be prescribed by a medical person who has previously performed the necessary tests and found the primary source of cystitis. In no case do not try to purchase such a medication yourself, as there is a possibility of worsening your condition due to incorrect treatment.
Antibiotics usually work quickly, but in case you don't feel any improvement, contact your doctor who will know what to do.
Be aware that some antibiotics may have side effects. Some of them are:
feeling tired;
diarrhea;
itching;
rash
If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking the antibiotic and contact your doctor.
Consequences of untreated cystitis
Some complications are possible if you do not treat cystitis properly or at all. Ignoring the problem can make it worse, and it can lead to other problems. Among the possible consequences of this are:
appearance of chronic cystitis due to improper treatment of acute cystitis;
reaching the kidneys that caused cystitis bacteria;
decrease in bladder volume.
Conclusion
A large part of people in the world know what cystitis is because they have faced it at least once in their life. This is a problem that can hardly go unnoticed, as it causes extreme discomfort that interferes with the normal course of daily life.
Pain and burning when urinating, as well as frequent urges to visit the toilet, are symptoms that you should not ignore. These are sure signs that something is wrong with your body. If you feel some of them, do not delay, but see your doctor immediately. This is the only way you can rest assured that your condition will not worsen, but on the contrary, will allow you to enjoy your days to the fullest again.
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