5 Things You Need to Know About Cystitis

1. Bacteria and You

Cystitis is more commonly called a bladder infection or urinary tract infection (UTI). It's most often caused by a bacterial infection. Bacteria are introduced to the urethra via sexual intercourse in women, but it can also manifest itself in non-sexually active women merely due to the presence of bacteria in the female genital region. Long-term use of a catheter can also cause a UTI, as seen in elderly patients. Some drugs can also create an environment that's more susceptible to a UTI. It can become serious if it spreads to the kidneys, so treatment shouldn't be delayed.

2. Cup and Culture

Pain when urinating, feeling the urge to urinate often but not being able to pass very much, blood in the urine or a mild fever are all symptoms of a urinary tract infection. The urine may also be strong smelling and cloudy, and discomfort might be felt in the abdominal region or the lower back. Should you experience any of these symptoms, expect your doctor to collect a urine sample. He will screen it for the presence of bacteria, blood or puss.

3. Cranberry Juice is Your Friend

Antibiotics are prescribed to kill the bacteria causing a bladder infection. It's important to finish the prescription to be sure the infection has been totally eradicated. Medicine may also be prescribed to manage the pain of a bladder infection until the antibiotics have time to start working. At home, a heating pad on your abdomen might offer some relief. Drink plenty of water to help flush the bacteria from your system. Cranberry juice has also been shown to help relieve a UTI; just make sure it's 100 percent cranberry juice, not a cocktail. You should expect the urinary tract infection to clear up within two weeks.

4. Water, Water Everywhere

The best prevention is to drink plenty of water, which will in turn cause frequent urination. This will flush out the bladder and urethra from any bacteria that may be present. Women should be careful to wipe themselves from front to back to minimize the introduction of bacteria to the urethra. It's advisable to urinate soon after intercourse, to flush out any bacteria from the urethra before they have a chance to take hold.

5. Bothersome Bladder

For most people, cystitis is something they may experience infrequently, if ever. But others have what's called interstitial, or chronic cystitis. These patients display all the same symptoms as someone with a UTI, but when urine cultures are done, there are no bacteria present. Ninety percent of people with chronic cystitis are women, and most begin having symptoms at about 40 years of age. Treatment consists of medications aimed at reducing the inflammation of the lining of the bladder. There is no definitive cause of chronic cystitis, but much research is being done in the areas of heredity and other illnesses that may be somehow causing the pain.