Noninfectious cystitis is irritation of the bladder that is not caused by a urinary tract infection.
Noninfectious cystitis is most common in women of childbearing years. The exact cause of noninfectious cystitis is often unknown. However, it has been associated with the use of bubble baths, feminine hygiene sprays, sanitary napkins, spermicidal jellies, radiation therapy to the pelvis area, certain types of chemotherapy medications, history of severe or repeated bladder infections, among other irritants.
Certain foods, such as tomatoes, artificial sweeteners, caffeinated products, chocolate, and alcohol, can cause irritative bladder symptoms.
See also: Interstitial cystitis
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
A urinalysis may reveal red blood cells (RBCs) and some white blood cells (WBCs). A microscopic examination of the urine by a pathologist may be done to look for cancerous cells.
A urine culture (clean catch) or catheterized urine specimen will reveal whether you have a bacterial infection.
If the cystitis is related to radiation or chemotherapy, urine tests and cystoscopy (use of lighted instrument to look inside the bladder) may be needed.
The goal of treatment is to manage the symptoms.
Medical Treatments:
Diet:
Other therapies:
Although most cases of cystitis are uncomfortable, they usually resolve over time.
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of cystitis, or if you have been diagnosed with cystitis and symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, especially fever, back or flank pain, and vomiting.
Avoid using items that may be irritants such as bubble baths, feminine hygiene sprays, sanitary napkins or tampons (especially scented products), and spermicidal jellies.
If you need to use such products, try to find those that do not cause irritation for you.
Abacterial cystitis; Radiation cystitis; Chemical cystitis; Urethral syndrome - acute
Hanno PM. Painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis and related disorders. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 10.
Lentz GM. Urogynecology: Physiology of micturition, Diagnosis of voiding dysfunction, and incontinence: Surgical and nonsurgical treatment. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 21.
Reviewed by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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