by Julie Riley, MS, RD
Cystitis is an infection of the bladder. The bladder is the part of the urinary tract that collects the urine from the kidneys.
The urinary tract normally contains no microorganisms. However, sometimes bacteria or yeast from the lower gastrointestinal tract or rectal area enter the urinary tract, usually through the urethra (tube that allows urine to pass out from the bladder). When bacteria or yeast cling to the urethra, they can multiply and infect the urethra. They can then travel up and infect the bladder.
Most cases of cystitis are caused by bacteria from the rectal area. In women, the rectum and urethra are fairly close to each other. This makes it relatively easy for bacteria to make their way into the urethra. Some women develop cystitis after a period of frequent sexual intercourse. This happens because bacteria enter the urethra during sex and cause infection.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
The symptoms of cystitis vary from person-to-person and can range from mild to severe. They include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be performed. In addition, a sample of your urine will be tested for blood, pus, and bacteria. If bacteria are present in the urine, you will likely be diagnosed with cystitis.
Children and men who develop cystitis may require additional testing. The doctor will use a cystoscope to check for structural abnormalities of the urinary system that predispose them to infection.
Bacterial cystitis is treated with antibiotic drugs. Antibiotics (usually trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, nitrofurantoin, or fluoroquinolones) will be prescribed for at least 2-3 days and perhaps for as long as several weeks. The length of the treatment depends on the severity of the infection and your personal history. You will probably start to feel better after a day or two. However, it is important that you complete the entire course of medication. Otherwise, the infection is likely to return. You may have your urine checked after you finish taking the antibiotic. This is to make sure that the infection is truly gone.
If you experience recurrent infections, your doctor may prescribe stronger antibiotics or have you take them for a longer period of time. He or she may also recommend that you take low-dose antibiotics as a preventive measure, either daily or after sexual intercourse. If you still experience recurrent infections, you may be referred to a specialist.
Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is a medicine that decreases pain and bladder spasms. Taking phenazopyridine will turn your urine and sometimes your sweat an orange color. This medication is generally available without a prescription and can usually relieve symptoms effectively while waiting for medical treatment to work.
You can lessen your chance of having cystitis by preventing bacteria from entering the urinary tract. Of the following logical and commonly recommended steps, only the use of cranberry juice has been clearly shown to be of value in reducing infection risk.
The above prevention recommendations apply largely to healthy young women at risk for bladder infections. Those with some of the unusual risk factors listed above, or women for whom the above suggestions do not reduce recurrence, may find other medically recommended prevention techniques to be useful.
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