Acute cystitis is a bacterial infection of the bladder or lower urinary tract. Acute means sudden or severe.
See also:
Cystitis is caused by germs, usually bacteria that enter the urethra and then the bladder. These bacteria can lead to infection, most commonly in the bladder. The infection can spread to the kidneys.
Most of the time, your body can get rid of these bacteria when you urinate. However, sometimes the bacteria can stick to the wall of the urethra or bladder, or grow so fast that some bacteria stay in the bladder.
Women tend to get infections more often than men because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. For this reason, women are more likely to get an infection after sexual intercourse or when using a diaphragm for birth control. Menopause also increases the risk for a urinary tract infection.
The following also increase your chances of developing cystitis:
Most cases are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria found in the intestines.
The symptoms of a bladder infection include:
Often in an elderly person, mental changes or confusion are the only signs of a possible urinary tract infection.
A urine sample is usually collected to perform the following tests:
Antibiotics taken by mouth are usually recommended because there is a risk that the infection can spread to the kidneys.
Commonly used antibiotics include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin, Augmentin, doxycycline, and fluoroquinolones. Your doctor will also want to know whether you are pregnant.
Your doctor may also recommend drugs to relieve the burning pain and urgent need to urinate. Phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Pyridium) is the most common of this type of drug. You will still need to take antibiotics.
Everyone with a bladder or kidney infection should drink plenty of water.
Some women have repeat or recurrent bladder infections. Your doctor may suggest several different ways of treating these.
Over-the-counter products that increase acid in the urine, such as ascorbic acid or cranberry juice, may be recommended to decrease the concentration of bacteria in the urine.
Follow-up may include urine cultures to make sure the bacterial infection is gone.
See also: Catheter-associated UTI
Most cases of cystitis are uncomfortable, but go away without complications after treatment.
Call your health care provider if:
Lifestyle changes may help prevent some urinary tract infections.
After menopause, a woman may use estrogen cream in the vagina area to reduce the chance of getting further infections.
BATHING AND HYGIENE
CLOTHING
DIET
Urinating immediately after sexual intercourse may help remove any bacteria that may have gotten in during intercourse. If you do not urinate for a long period of time, the bacteria have time to multiply. Frequent urinating may reduce the risk of cystitis in those who are prone to urinary tract infections.
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection; UTI - acute; Acute bladder infection; Acute bacterial cystitis
Little P, Moore MV, Turner S, et al. Effectiveness of five different approaches in management of urinary tract infection: randomised controlled trial. BMJ. 2010.340:c199. doi:10.1136/bmj.c199.
Norrby SR. Approach to the patient with urinary tract infection. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap.306.
Foster RT Sr. Uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2008;35(2):235-248.
Reviewed by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Notice: The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2012, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.