Cystitis

The inflammation of the bladder lining that results from irritation, damage or infection is known as cystitis. Women are subjected to develop this condition more because of the presence of shorter urethra.

Cystitis is usually found in women who are pregnant, sexually active or have reached menopause.

Cystitis is men occur as a very severe condition. The basic cause in men may be due to the presence of prostate or bladder infection, a tumour or any other obstruction or even due to the presence of an enlarged prostate gland. If a person has bladder infection that does not get any treatment, he may prostate or kidney infections.

Symptoms

Symptoms associated with cystitis are:

• burning sensation while urinating
• pain and stinging while urinating
• micturation in small quantities
• dark and cloudy urine with strong smell
• haematuria
• pain on the pubic bone
• lower back ache
• abdominal pain

Older women may not have any of these symptoms, but there will, be a general feeling of being unwell as well as fever and weakness.

In children who have this condition, the following symptoms can be seen:

• loss of appetite
• nausea
• vomiting
• weakness
• irritability
• urinating with pain

Causes

The underlying cause of cystitis is bacterial infection of bladder which may be due to:

• If bladder is not empty completely, this can result in the multiplication of the bacteria. Pregnant women are normally subjected to this state due to the pressure on pelvis.
• Use of tampon can cause the bacteria to get into the urethra
• Bacteria may also enter urethra while having sex.
• If a woman after using the toilet wipes from back to front, chances of bacteria spreading form anus to urethra are there.
• Any damage that happens while catheter is changed.
• Blockage of urinary system
• Bladder problems
• Kidney problems
• diabetes
• presence of an enlarged prostate gland in men
• the thinning of urethral and bladder lining in women after menopause can subject them to more infection.
• honeymoon cystitis is a condition where bruising or damage occurs due to frequent as well as vigourous sex.
• Women using diaphragm as contraceptive device have higher chances of developing cystitis.

Treatment

For mild cystitis, one need not use any medicines. Only if the woman is pregnant, antibiotics are advised.

If the symptoms exist even after four days, the following steps must be followed:

Use of over the counter analgesics or painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can be used to reduce the pain.
Water intake should be at least two litres in people who have cystitis.
Intake of alcohol must be avoided.
One can use potassium citrate or sodium citrate in the form of solutions or sachets to ease some of the symptoms.
Intake of cranberry juice helps in the prevention of cystitis to recur. Cranberry juice can also be use to get relief from the symptoms of cystitis.
Avoid having sex till one recovers completely form cystitis.