Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder. Common bladder conditions include bladder infection, called "acute cystitis," and chronic bladder inflammation, called "interstitial cystitis," which has non-bacterial causes, according to "Merck Manual Home Edition 2010." Cystitis, the infection, involves bacteria that requires antibiotic treatment to halt its course.
Significance
The incidence of cystitis increases as people age, and it commonly affects pregnant women. "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2010" states that it affects both sexes. In men, its symptoms can mimic prostatitis, and in women, similar symptoms point to pelvic inflammatory disease and inflammation of the vagina and vulva. In both sexes, the threat of kidney infection and acute kidney failure exists.
Symptoms
Men and women experience frequent burning urination, although some have no symptoms at all. In older adults, especially those with dementia, the symptoms go unnoticed. According to "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2010," uncomplicated cystitis does not produce a fever. However, undiagnosed or untreated cystitis will progress to raising the body temperature.
Effects
Acute cystitis, when treated with antibiotics, resolves itself as the bacteria get extinguished. The danger arises when it does not get treated early. The infection can spread to the blood stream, causing sepsis, a life-threatening poisoning of the blood. The possibility also exists that the electrolyte mineral balance becomes so impaired that the person suffers from delirium. Delirium results when the imbalance affects the brain. The delirious person appears confused, frightened and paranoid. His cognitive functioning deteriorates, and he may have hallucinations.
Antibiotic Treatment
"Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2010" says the vast majority of cases involve the germ E. coli, a bacterium that lives naturally in other organs such as the colon but can easily transfer to the urethra, especially in women due to the close proximity of the urethral opening to the anal opening. As the infection progresses, other organisms invade the susceptible bladder. Not every drug works in every case, but the selection can take care of most conditions even if it means a second or third round. According to a New York Times Health article on cystitis, antibiotics used to treat cystitis include amoxicillin, cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, doxycycline and nitrofurantoin. Sulfa drugs also can be used.
Other Treatments
For some people suffering from cystitis, bladder spasms cause discomfort. While the spasms wane as the infection dies out, the period of days it takes for the antibiotic to work often become unbearable. According to the New York Times, to treat the spasms, the doctor prescribes a medication called Pyridium. It takes effect immediately, turning the urine bright orange, and continues that effect until usage stops. Other aids include over-the-counter ascorbic acid to give the bladder more acidity and cranberry juice, which decreases the amount of bacteria in the urine.
References
- "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment"; Stephen J. McPhee and Maxine A. Papadakis; 2010
- Merck Manuals Home Edition: Bladder Infections
- New York Times Health Guide: Acute Cystitis
