Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, most commonly caused caused by a bladder infection. Show It's a common urinary tract infection (UTI) in women, and is usually more of a nuisance than a cause for concern. Mild cases will often get better by themselves within a few days. Some people get episodes of cystitis frequently. They may need regular or long-term treatment. Information: Cystitis caused by an infection can go on to infect the kidneys, so it's important to get advice if symptoms persist. Symptoms of cystitisThe main symptoms of cystitis include:
Symptoms in children include a high temperature, weakness, irritability, less appetite and vomiting. Your GP should be able to diagnose cystitis by asking about your symptoms. They may test a sample of your urine for bacteria to help confirm the diagnosis. Causes of cystitisMost cases are thought to happen when bacteria in the bowel or on the skin get into the bladder via the urethra. The urethra is the tube that removes pee from the bladder and out of the body. It's not always clear how this happens, but it can be caused by:
Women may get cystitis more than men because their anus is closer to their urethra, which is much shorter. This means bacteria could get into the bladder more easily. Treatment for cystitisIf you see your GP, you might be prescribed antibiotics. These should start to have an effect within a day or two. Women don't always need to see their GP, as mild cases often get better without treatment. If you've had cystitis before and don't think you need to see your GP, ask a pharmacist for advice. You can also try:
Some people use over-the-counter products that reduce the acidity of their pee. There is, however, little evidence to suggest they're effective. If you keep getting cystitis, your GP may give you a prescription to use whenever you get symptoms. Your GP can also prescribe a low dose of antibiotics for you to take over several months. Preventing cystitisIf you get cystitis often, there are some things you can try that could stop it coming back. It's not clear, though, how effective most of the following measures are. Drinking cranberry juice is often recommended as a way to reduce chances of cystitis. But large studies suggest it doesn't make a big difference. Interstitial cystitisIf you have frequent pelvic pain and problems peeing, you may have interstitial cystitis. This is a poorly-understood bladder condition that affects women of all ages but is less common in men. Unlike cystitis, there's no obvious bladder infection and antibiotics do not help. If you think you have interstitial cystitis, talk to your GP about how to reduce your symptoms. Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE Your doctor will most likely recommend antibiotics to treat a bacterial bladder infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are other treatments for other forms of cystitis. Medication OptionsIn addition to antibiotics, your doctor may prescribe medications such as phenazopyridine hydrochloride (Pyridium) to relieve to discomfort caused by cystitis, per MedlinePlus. If you’re a woman who has repeat bladder infections, your doctor may recommend taking a single dose of an antibiotic after having sex, or taking a single, daily dose of an antibiotic to prevent infections. If you’re postmenopausal and you get cystitis often, your doctor may prescribe a vaginal estrogen cream, according to the Mayo Clinic. Interstitial cystitis may be treated with medications that are taken orally or inserted directly into your bladder. If your cystitis developed as a complication of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, your doctor is likely to prescribe medications to help you manage the pain. Alternative and Complementary TherapiesComplementary, alternative, and integrative therapies are sometimes used to support treatment and management of chronic recurrent cystitis. For example, complementary therapies for interstitial cystitis may include acupuncture and mind-body approaches to address symptoms, according to a review published in Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports in June 2020. Learn More About Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections: Medication, Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Surgery Options, and More Prevention of CystitisAccording to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there are various self-care measures that are said to help women prevent cystitis. While there isn’t conclusive research to prove that they are effective, the following tips are low-risk and may potentially be helpful:
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