Cystitis is a condition that occurs when bacteria infects the bladder. Cystitis is also commonly referred to as a bladder or urinary tract infection (UTI). While anyone can develop cystitis, this condition arises more frequently in women than men. If cystitis is left untreated, the bacteria can travel up into the kidneys, leading to a serious kidney infection called pyelonephritis. Oral antibiotics are typically prescribed for several days to rid your body of the bacteria responsible for causing cystitis. The most common symptoms of cystitis include the following.
Urine Discoloration
If you have cystitis, you may notice that your urine appears to be cloudy or dark yellow/orange in color. Your urine may be cloudy due to the presence of excess white blood cells, which are attempting to fight off invading bacteria. Dark yellow or orange-colored urine may indicate that you have blood in your urine. In addition to urine discoloration, your urine may also have a strong or foul odor. If these symptoms arise, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible.
Difficulty Urinating
If you have cystitis, you may find it difficult to clear your bladder of liquid. You may experience sharp pain or a strong burning sensation when you attempt to urinate. Seek medical care if these symptoms arise.
Frequent Urination
If you have cystitis, you may feel like you need to urinate much more frequently than normal. In some cases, you may feel the need to urinate even immediately after emptying your bladder. Drinking increased amounts of water may help manage this symptom, but you should seek medical care if this symptom persists.
Lower Abdominal or Back Pain
If you have cystitis, you may experience painful pressure or cramping in the middle of your lower abdomen or your lower back. Back pain may indicate that the bacteria in your bladder have moved up into your kidneys, which may lead to a serious kidney infection. If you experience these symptoms in conjunction with urinary symptoms, seek medical care immediately to prevent the infection from progressing.
Fever
If you have cystitis, you may experience a low-grade fever. Fever is part of the immune system's response to infection, as increasing your body temperature can help prevent bacteria from multiplying. If you experience a higher fever (e.g., greater than 101°F), seek medical care as soon as possible. A high fever, in conjunction with urinary symptoms, may indicate that your infection has spread to your kidneys.
