Cystitis is a common urinary tract infection that affects millions of people around the world. Although usually not a serious health problem, it can cause bothersome symptoms and discomfort.
What is cystitis?
Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder mucosa, most often caused by bacteria. These microorganisms, usually from the intestines, enter the urethra and then the bladder, where they multiply and cause an infection.
Causes of cystitis
The most common cause of cystitis is a bacterial infection, mainly caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). Other bacteria that can cause cystitis include:
- Staphylococcus saprophyticus
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Proteus mirabilis
- Enterococcus faecalis
There are also factors that increase the risk of developing cystitis:
- Female gender: Women are more prone to cystitis due to their shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.
- Sexual activity: Frequent sexual intercourse can increase the risk of infection.
- Use of spermicides: Some spermicides can irritate the urethra and facilitate the development of infection.
- Menopause: Declining estrogen levels during menopause can increase susceptibility to urinary tract infections.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to infections, including urinary tract infections.
- Kidney stones: kidney stones can block the flow of urine and increase the risk of infection.
- Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infections.
- Urine backlog: Incomplete bladder emptying can promote the growth of bacteria.
- Anatomical abnormalities of the urinary system: Some congenital or acquired abnormalities of the urinary tract can impede urine drainage and increase the risk of infection.
- Catheter use: Bladder catheterization increases the risk of infection.
Symptoms of cystitis
Symptoms of cystitis can vary from person to person and the severity of the infection. The most common symptoms are:
- Frequenturia: The need to urinate more often than usual, even in small amounts.
- Bladder pressure: A strong, sudden feeling of needing to urinate.
- Pain and burning during urination: Discomfort and burning in the urethra during micturition.
- Pain in the lower abdomen: Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen.
- Cloudy urine: urine may be cloudy and even contain blood (hematuria).
- Unpleasant urine odor: Urine may have a strong, unpleasant odor.
- Fever: In some cases, fever, chills and general malaise may occur.
Diagnosis of cystitis
The doctor usually diagnoses cystitis based on symptoms and a urinalysis. A urine test may show the presence of bacteria, leukocytes (white blood cells) and erythrocytes (red blood cells). In some cases, the doctor may order additional tests, such as:
- Urine culture: Identifies the bacteria causing the infection and determines their sensitivity to antibiotics.
- Ultrasonography (ultrasound) of the urinary system: Helps rule out other problems, such as kidney stones or urinary tract blockages.
- Cystoscopy: An endoscopic examination of the urinary bladder, performed in cases of recurrent infections or suspected other conditions.
Treatment of cystitis
Treatment of cystitis usually involves antibiotic therapy. The doctor selects the appropriate antibiotic based on the results of the urinalysis and culture. It is important to take the antibiotic as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms resolve early.
In addition to antibiotics, your doctor may recommend:
- Analgesics and antipyretics: e.g. ibuprofen or paracetamol, to relieve pain and fever.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Water, fruit juices and herbal teas help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Avoiding bladder-irritating beverages: Coffee, alcohol and carbonated drinks can irritate the bladder and aggravate symptoms.
- Warm compresses: Warm compresses on the lower abdomen can help relieve pain.
In most cases, cystitis resolves after a few days of treatment. If symptoms persist or recur, consult a doctor.
Home remedies for cystitis
In addition to drug treatment, there are home remedies that can help relieve cystitis symptoms and speed up recovery:
- Drink plenty of fluids: Water, fruit juices (especially cranberry juice) and herbal teas help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Avoiding bladder-irritating beverages: Coffee, alcohol and carbonated drinks can irritate the bladder and aggravate symptoms.
- Warm compresses: Warm compresses on the lower abdomen can help relieve pain.
- Rest: Rest ing and avoiding physical exertion can help you recover faster.
- Cranberry: Cranberries contain substances that prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls. You can consume cranberries in the form of juice, fruit or dietary supplements.
- Probiotics: Probiotics can help rebalance the bacterial flora in the gut and vagina, which can prevent urinary tract infections.
Preventing cystitis
There are many ways to reduce the risk of cystitis:
- Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids regularly helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
- Urinate regularly: Don’t withhold urine for long periods of time.
- Urinate after intercourse: Urinating after intercourse helps flush out bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
- Intimate hygiene: Take care of your intimate hygiene by wiping yourself from front to back after urinating and defecating.
- Avoid irritating hygiene products: Use gentle, fragrance-free intimate hygiene products.
- Wear cotton underwear: Cotton underwear allows the skin to breathe and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.
- Avoid tight clothing: Tight clothing can impede airflow and promote the growth of bacteria.
- Avoid long baths in the tub: Long baths in the tub can increase the risk of infection.
- Strengthen the immune system: A healthy diet, regular physical activity and enough sleep help strengthen the immune system.
When to go to the doctor?
Consult your doctor if:
- Symptoms of cystitis do not go away after a few days of home treatment.
- Symptoms are aggravated or accompanied by other complaints, such as fever, chills, back pain or hematuria.
- Cystitis recurs.
- You are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant.
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Remember that cystitis is a common ailment that can be effectively treated. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can avoid complications and make a quick recovery.
