What are the Symptoms?

A bladder infection is usually characterized by a chronic, strong urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, inability to pass more than small amounts of urine, blood in the urine, urine that has a strong smell, pelvic pain or pressure and a low-grade fever. If cystitis progresses and spreads to the kidneys, immediate medical attention is necessary. Signs of a kidney infection include intense pain in the back or sides, high fever or chills, nausea and vomiting.

What Causes Cystitis?

A urinary tract infection is usually caused when bacteria from outside the body enters the urethra and multiplies within the bladder and urinary tract. Bacterial cystitis is most common among women and rarely occurs in men. Among sexually active women, intercourse can introduce bacteria to the bladder, causing infection; however, even young girls can experience urinary tract infection caused by bacteria that lives in and around the vagina. Women who use a diaphragm, are pregnant or have undergone menopause are at higher risk for cystitis.

In rare cases, cystitis is not caused by a bacterial infection. Certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs, can cause inflammation of the bladder. Radiation treatments in the pelvic area can also have this effect, as can the long-term need for a catheter, a reaction to the chemicals in bath and hygiene products and as a complication of certain conditions, such as diabetes or kidney stones.

Treatment and Prevention

Bacterial cystitis is most often treated with antibiotics. If you experience recurrent urinary tract infections, you may need a longer course of medication. In some cases, women who are susceptible to cystitis can prevent infection by taking an antibiotic after intercourse. If your symptoms persist even after completing your full course of antibiotics, you may need a different type of medication.

You can make yourself less susceptible to cystitis by drinking plenty of water, urinating as soon as you feel the urge and immediately after intercourse, wiping from front to back when you use the bathroom, taking showers instead of baths and avoiding scented bath products that can cause irritation.

To learn more about how this condition can be treated or prevented, visit the office of Dr. Sherry Thomas in Agoura Hills. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

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What are the symptoms?

There are quite a few symptoms of cystitis. The most common symptom is blood in the urine, followed by painful urination with a burning sensation. Some might have a minor fever, pain or discomfort around the hips and/or lower abdomen, and cloudy smelly urine. Small children with cystitis may start wetting themselves during the daytime. Nighttime bed-wetting by itself is not necessarily a sign of cystitis, however.

When should I call the doctor?

By itself, cystitis is not a serious condition; it is more painful and annoying than anything else. However, it can occur as part of a more serious condition. This is especially true of men, for cystitis is rare in healthy men. A man with cystitis should always call the doctor. Children who start wetting themselves during the day should be taken to their pediatrician to see if they have cystitis.

The bacteria that cause cystitis can spread to the kidneys, and a kidney infection is a serious matter. Call the doctor immediately if your cystitis is accompanied by any of the symptoms of a kidney infection, which include nausea and vomiting, pain in the back or sides, and/or fever and chills.

How is cystitis treated?

Since cystitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics. A first infection is a straightforward matter in which you take the antibiotics for three days to a week depending on the severity of your symptoms. You may notice an improvement in said symptoms within a day or two, but you should always take the full course of medication prescribed to make sure the infection is completely gone. Stopping prematurely may allow some of the bacteria to survive, and your cystitis may return, possibly even worse.

If you have recurrent bouts of cystitis, your doctor may prescribe a longer course of antibiotics.. The doctor will examine you to see if you have abnormalities in your urinary tract causing the repeat infections.

Cystitis can have other causes, and these types will need other treatments. If the cystitis is caused by an irritant like a bubble bath or spermicidal jellies, treating it is simply a matter of avoiding the irritant. You can also relieve discomfort by using a heating pad or soaking in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes.

Doctor Sherry Thomas is a urogynecologist who specializes in women’s health and issues with the urinary tract. She can help diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, so you can get back to feeling like yourself. Contact Dr. Sherry Thomas today to schedule your consultation.

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