Cystitis: bladder infection
What is cystitis?
Cystitis is a very common infection of the bladder. When infected, the bladder is unable to store the usual quantity of urine. Common symptoms of cystitis include passing urine frequently, a burning sensation when passing urine, discomfort or pain low down in the abdomen and, sometimes, a fever or blood in the urine.
The urinary tract
Urine is made in the kidneys, which sit on either side of the spine in the back of the abdomen. From the kidneys, the urine passes down the ureters (thin tubes) to the bladder, where it is stored until you have the desire to pass urine. Urine is passed to the outside of the body through a short tube called the urethra.
How does the bladder become infected?
Urinary infections are usually caused by bacteria, which can multiply very rapidly in the warm urine. Most bacteria get into the bladder by coming up the urethra from the outside, but sometimes they can enter from the kidneys or bloodstream. Cystitis is not as common in men as in women because men have a much longer urethra running the length of the penis.
A common cause of cystitis in women is sexual intercourse and the resultant irritation of the genital area. Passing urine immediately after sex may help prevent cystitis.
Slackness and stretching of muscles around the genitals after child-birth make it easier for women who have had children to catch cystitis.
How is cystitis treated?
Antibiotics are needed to treat bacterial cystitis. It’s important to take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms improve within a couple of days.
If you are having recurrent bouts of cystitis, you may need to take a longer course of antibiotics, or your doctor may refer you to a specialist.
Urinary alkalinisers such as Citralite, Citravescent or Ural are available over the counter from pharmacies, and reduce the acidity of the urine to make it more alkaline. This makes it difficult for the bacteria to survive, and also helps to reduce the pain of cystitis. These medications should not be used long term, or by people who have kidney or heart disease.
Drinking as much liquid as possible will increase the production of urine and help wash the bacteria out of the bladder. Drinking cranberry juice may help reduce the risk of cystitis, but you should avoid cranberry products if you are taking warfarin (a blood-thinning medication).
If your symptoms do not ease within 2 days, or start to worsen, see your doctor.
Last Reviewed: 29 November 2007
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