Acute Cystitis

Definition

Acute cystitis is inflammation of the bladder. This article will focus on cystitis caused by an infection.

Acute cystitis can be:

• Uncomplicated—Common and tends to happen in healthy people
• Complicated—Linked to a condition that raises the risk of an infection

If left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys.

The Urinary Tract.

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Causes

Bacteria can cause an infection in the bladder. The bacteria normally live in the colon or vagina. It may be passed or move to the area urine (pee) leaves the body. The bacteria can then travel up into the bladder.

Less often, acute cystitis may be caused by medicine or trauma.

Risk Factors

Acute cystitis is more common in women. Things that may raise the risk of uncomplicated cystitis include:

• Being sexually active
• Use of spermicide
• A new sexual partner
• Having acute cystitis in the past

Things that raise the risk of complicated cystitis include:

• Diabetes
• Weak immune system
• Pregnancy
• Menopause
• Bladder catheter in place or recently used
• Neurogenic bladder
• Kidney problems, such as:
  • Renal insufficiency
  • Polycystic kidneys
  • History of kidney transplant
• Problems that slow the flow of urine, such as vesicoureteral reflux or kidney stones
• Tumor

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute cystitis may include:

• Urgent need to urinate (pee) or frequent urination
• Passing only small amounts of urine
• Pain in the belly or pelvic area
• Burning sensation during urination
• Cloudy, bad-smelling urine
• Leaking of urine
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and low desire to eat

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will also be done. A sample of urine will be taken and tested for blood and pus. Sometimes the urine will be tested to look for the exact type of bacteria.

A CT scan may be needed for more severe problems or problems that keep coming back. The scan may help to see problems or blockages in the bladder.

Treatment

Cystitis from a bladder infection can be treated with antibiotics. A hospital stay and IV antibiotics may be needed with a severe infection.

The infection may cause pain and spasms in the bladder. The doctor may advise medicine to help manage pain until it passes.

If the cystitis is caused by medicine or trauma those causes will need to be managed.

Prevention

To help decrease the risk of a bladder infection:

• Empty the bladder completely and drink a full glass of water after having sex.
• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
• Women should wipe from front to back after urinating (peeing).
• Avoid spermicides if they cause a problem.