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Cystitis

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Cystitis
SpecialtyUrology Edit this on Wikidata

Cystitis is inflammation of the urinary bladder. The condition more often affects women, but can affect either sex and all age groups.

Types

There are several types of cystitis:

  • Traumatic cystitis is probably the most common form of cystitis in the female, and is due to bruising of the bladder , usually by sexual intercourse. This is often followed by bacterial cystitis, frequently by coliform bacteria being transferred from the bowel through the urethra into the bladder.
  • interstitial cystitis (IC) is considered more of an injury to the bladder resulting in constant irritation and rarely involves the presence of infection. IC patients are often misdiagnosed with UTI/cystitis for years before they are told that their urine cultures are negative. Antibiotics are not used in the treatment of IC. The cause of IC is unknown, though some suspect it may be autoimmune where the immune system attacks the bladder. Several therapies are now available.
  • eosinophilic cystitis is a rare form of cystitis that is diagnosed via biopsy. In these cases, the bladder wall is infiltrated with a high number of eosinophils. The cause of EC is also unknown though it has been triggered in children by certain medications. Some consider it a form of interstitial cystitis.
  • radiation cystitis often occurs in patients undergoing radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer.
  • hemorrhagic cystitis, can occur as a side effect of cyclophosphamide therapy, and is often prevented by administering mesna.
  • In sexually active women the most common cause is from E. coli and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.

POO

Symptoms

Signs and tests

  • A urinalysis commonly reveals white blood cells (WBCs) or red blood cells (RBCs).
  • A urine culture (clean catch) or catheterized urine specimen may be performed to determine the type of bacteria in the urine and the appropriate antibiotic for treatment.

Treatment

Because of the risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys and due to the high complication rate in the elderly population and in diabetics, prompt treatment is almost always recommended. It is advised to avoid vaginal penetration until the infection has cleared up.

Medication

Antibiotics are used to control bacterial infection. It is vital that a course of antibiotics, once started, be completed. Cystitis can also be treated with over-the-counter medicines, where self-treatment is appropriate.

Commonly used antibiotics include:

The choice of antibiotic should preferably be guided by the result of urine culture.

Chronic or recurrent UTI should be treated thoroughly because of the chance of kidney infection (pyelonephritis). Antibiotics control the bacterial infection. They may be required for long periods of time. Prophylactic low-dose antibiotics are sometimes recommended after acute symptoms have subsided.

Pyridium may be used to reduce the burning and urgency associated with cystitis.

There is some evidence that making the urine either more acidic (e.g. with ascorbic acid) or more alkaline may calm the pain of cystitis. Cranberry juice also contains condensed tannins, Manoose - D and proanthocyanidins which have been found to inhibit the activity of E. coli by preventing the bacteria from sticking to mucosal surfaces lining the bladder and gut, helping to clear bacteria from the urinary tract[1].

Monitoring

Follow-up may include urine cultures to ensure that bacteria are no longer present in the bladder.

Outcomes

Most cases of cystitis are uncomfortable but disappear without complication after treatment.

Possible complications

  • Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection

Prevention

Keeping the genital area clean and remembering to wipe from front to back may reduce the chance of introducing bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.

Increasing the intake of fluids may allow frequent urination to flush the bacteria from the bladder. Urinating immediately after sexual intercourse may help eliminate any bacteria that may have been introduced during intercourse. Refraining from urinating for long periods of time may allow bacteria time to multiply, so frequent urinating may reduce risk of cystitis in those who are prone to urinary tract infections.

Drinking cranberry juice prevents certain types of bacteria from attaching to the wall of the bladder and may lessen the chance of infection. [1] Cranberry extract tablets have also been found to be effective in preventing cystitis and avoiding the taste of cranberry juice (which some find unpleasant). [citation needed] Cauterisation of the bladder lining through a cystoscopy gives long-term relief (sometimes several years) from this terrible condition.

References