Cystitis is medical condition that characterizes inflammation of the bladder. It is also used to call the condition of having irritations and infections in the lower part of the urinary system. Cystitis often affects women. It is said that about 20 percent of women experience it in their lifetime. When cystitis is caused by germs, it is called a bacterial urinary tract infection or UTI. The condition begins when a bacteria enters urinary tract through the urethra. It then sticks to the bladder wall, will multiply and be infected.
The observable signs of cystitis are frequent urination, urgency to urinate, burning or painful urination, cloudy and smelly urine, blood in the urine and pain directly above the pubic bone. Children who suffer form cystitis have no visible symptoms other than weakness, irritability, lack of appetite and vomiting. For older women, the apparent symptoms are weakness, confusion or fever.
The main cause of the development of cystitis is the bacteria known as coliform bacteria. This type of bacteria is usually found in the bowel. Women, is the highly at risk for developing cystitis because of the location of the urethra. Because women have shorter urethra than men, bacteria like coliform, take shorter time to travel into the urinary tract and reach the bladder. For women, they need to watch out for their toilet hygiene, using a deodorant or any other material that may irritate the genitals, being pregnant, and menopause. These are some factors that contribute to the development of cystitis. For men, any congenital deformity in the urinary system and enlarged prostates can be contributing factors. Some causes are infection from intestinal bacteria, using a catheter, trauma following frequent sexual activities and venereal diseases like gonorrhea and Chlamydia.
To diagnose if you have cystitis, you need to undergo certain tests. A urine test through chemical testing or what is known as dipstick test may be conducted. A urine culture may also be done. A specimen will be taken to the lab to grow and then be examined for signs of cystitis. Other types of diagnosis may be in the form of x-rays, intravenous urography in which x-rays are done using a dye injected into the blood vessels or a cystoscopy, using a tube to examine the inside of the body for any signs of cystitis.
Antibiotics can be taken to remedy the symptoms of cystitis. Non-prescription medicine is also available. Over-the-counter medications or a 1 tea spoon of bicarbonate soda mixed in half a glass of water taken two to three times a day will help in the treatment of cystitis.
To prevent the development of cystitis, it is important to make it a regular habit to drink lots of fluids. Cranberry juice is one known drink to prevent cystitis from developing. It is said to stop the bacteria from reaching the bladder. Warm clothes should also be worn on the lower part of the body. During urination, the bladder should be emptied completely and the vagina and anus should be washed gently so as to not irritate the skin. It is also good to urinate frequently, about once every three hours and immediately after sexual activity. Taking showers in the bath tub should also be avoided.
