What is Cystitis and what causes it?

What is Cystitis and what causes it?

Cystitis is inflammation in the bladder and this inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection which is also known as Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). This infection in painful and can cause serious health issues when spreads to the kidneys.

Cystitis can also cause due to an underlying condition or as reaction to certain drugs, radiation therapy, potential irritants like feminine hygiene sprays, however it is less likely to happen.

The treatment for cystitis is mainly antibiotics. However, it depends on the condition.

What are the Symptoms of Cystitis?

  • A strong, persistent urge to urinate, even after you emptied the bladder.
  • Blood in the urine.
  • Feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen.
  • Burning like sensation when urinating.
  • Low-grade fever.
  • Cloudy and strong-smelling urine.
  • Pelvic distress.
  • Pain during intercourse.

If the infection spread to your kidneys, in addition to above mentioned symptoms, nausea, back pain, chills, vomiting can be the sign for kidney infection.

However, blood in the urine and fever aren’t just symptoms for Cystitis, they can occur in association with other causes for kidney infection. If you experience such symptoms, immediately consult your doctor.

What are the causes for Cystitis?

Bacterial cystitis

This type of UTI occurs when the bacteria enter the body from an outside source and start multiplying. It is common in women, sometimes as a result of sexual intercourse. However, girls and women who are not sexually active can also have lower urinary tract infections because female genital area contains bacteria that can result in Bacterial cystitis.

There are non-infectious cystitis that causes inflamed bladder such as:

  • Interstitial cystitis: A painful bladder syndrome, the cause of which is unknown and hard to treat.
  • Drug induced cystitis: Certain medication like chemotherapy drugs can cause cystitis.
  • Radiation cystitis: Radiation treatment for pelvic can cause inflammation to the bladder.
  • Chemical cystitis: Some people are hypersensitive to certain chemicals found in products like feminine hygiene products, bubble bath and they can cause an allergic reaction in the bladder that may result in inflammation.
  • Foreign-body cystitis: Long term use of catheter can cause infections and tissue damage which can cause inflammation.

Some are more likely to be at risk of developing bladder infection and women come under such category. Women have shorter urethra which causes the bacteria to reach the bladder faster.

Women who are sexually active, on birth control pills, are pregnant or have experienced menopause are at a high risk of bladder infection.

There are other risks that are associated with both men and women such as stone in the bladder, an enlarged prostate in men or changes in the immune system with conditions like HIV or diabetes.

How can you prevent Cystitis?

Although self-preventive measures are not well studied. Your doctor can suggest you some of the following to help you with the infection

  • Drink plenty of liquids.
  • If you feel the urge to urinate don’t hold it in.
  • Wipe the front and back after a bowel movement.
  • Take showers and avoid tub baths.
  • Gently clean the vagina and the anus area. And, avoid using harsh soaps.
  • Pee immediately after intercourse.
  • Don’t use perfumes, sprays in genital area.

If you have further questions, our team of qualified doctors at the Bansal Global Hospital are 24/7 available to help you with your medical concerns. Fix your appointment today and contact us at +919911062832.

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