Cystitis Explained: Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Arun Kumar Donakonda , Kidney Transplant Surgeons

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, which can cause symptoms such as itchiness, redness, or swelling in the affected area. A urinary tract infection is the most common cause of cystitis.

Sometimes, an imbalance in the body's normal microorganisms can also lead to cystitis. While infection and inflammation often go hand in hand, it's important to note that infection is not always the cause of cystitis.

What are the Types Of Cystitis?

Cystitis can be classified into several types based on its cause, including bacterial cystitis (most common), interstitial cystitis (chronic, non-infectious), radiation cystitis, drug-induced cystitis, and chemical cystitis. Each type differs in its underlying cause and requires specific management approaches.

Bacterial cystitis
Drug-induced cystitis
Radiation cystitis
Foreign body cystitis
Chemical cystitis

What are the Symptoms of Cystitis?

If you notice signs of sepsis, seek immediate medical help for better chances of recovery.

For cases of acute cystitis, the symptoms may include:

Pain, burning or stinging urination
Urinating more frequently
Dark and cloudy urine
Strong-smelling urine
Urgent need to pass urine
Pain in the lower stomach
General aches, weakness, and tiredness

The symptoms are the same for males as they are for females.

In children, the symptoms may include

Fever
Tiredness, weakness, aches
Irritability
Lack of appetite
Nausea and vomiting.

What are the Causes of Cystitis?

The cause of cystitis determines the kind of cystitis treatment. They can be caused by the following reasons as well.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Ongoing use of a catheter
Exposure to radiation
Irritating hygiene products
Taking certain drugs

When Should You See a Doctor for Cystitis?

Consulting a urologist or general physician is important if symptoms persist, worsen, or suggest infection.

Painful or frequent urination that does not improve
Blood in the urine or severe discomfort
Fever or other signs of infection
Recurrent urinary tract infections

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How is Cystitis Diagnosed?

Cystitis can be diagnosed in a variety of ways. The Physician may request a urine sample to evaluate the source of your cystitis and rule out a urinary tract infection (UTI). To discover the origin of your symptoms, your doctor may do a cystoscopy or an imaging test. Your doctor may use:

Cystoscopy: A cystoscope, a tiny tube with a camera inserted into your urethra by your doctor to check for issues or get a tissue sample for further testing (biopsy).
Imaging: Tumors, kidney stones, and other disorders can be detected using an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI.
An intravenous Urogram (IVU): It's an X-ray that takes pictures of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder using contrast dye.
Voiding Cystourethrography: A dye is injected into your bladder by your doctor to see if any urine travels backward from the bladder to the kidneys.
Retrograde Urethrography: Retrograde urethrography is a technique for examining the urethra. This test employs contrast dye to detect urethral abnormalities.
Treatment: Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause. Medication and surgery are commonly suggested treatment methodologies.
Medications: Cystitis Antibiotics are frequently used to treat bacterial cystitis. Medication can also be used to treat interstitial cystitis. The treatment for interstitial cystitis is determined by the etiology.

What are the Treatment Options for Cystitis?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.

Antibiotics for bacterial infections
Medications to reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms
Avoidance of irritants such as harsh hygiene products
Treatment of underlying conditions like bladder obstruction
Surgical intervention in rare or severe cases

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What are the Risk Factors of Cystitis?

Some factors can increase a woman's chances of developing cystitis:

Being sexually active
Using diaphragms with spermicide in them
Using tampons
Being past menopause
Being pregnant

For both men and women, the following factors can increase the risk of cystitis:

A recent urinary tract infection (UTI)
Radiation or chemotherapy
Using a catheter
Having diabetes, kidney stones, or HIV
An injury to the spine
Something that affects the flow of pee

What is the Prevention of Cystitis?

Cystitis is hardly preventable. However, the following steps may help. If you have recurrent bladder infections, your doctor may consider the following:

Drink more water and other healthy beverages.
If you're receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy, staying hydrated is crucial, especially on treatment days.
Urinate at regular intervals. If you need to urinate, don't put off going to the bathroom.
After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back. This keeps germs from migrating from the anal area to the vagina and urethra.
Shower instead of taking a bath. Showering rather than bathing may help avoid infections if you're prone to them.
Wash the area surrounding the vaginal and anus canals gently. Do this on a daily basis, but don't use strong soaps or scrub too hard. The sensitive skin around these places is prone to irritation.
After intercourse, empty your bladder as quickly as possible. To assist in flushing germs, drink a full glass of water.
Deodorant sprays and feminine items should not be used in the vaginal region. The urethra and bladder might be irritated by these products.

What is the Recovery Process for Cystitis?

Recovery depends on timely treatment and addressing the underlying cause.

Completing prescribed medications such as antibiotics
Maintaining proper hydration
Practicing good hygiene habits
Avoiding irritants that trigger symptoms
Regular follow-up in recurrent cases

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is cystitis?

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, commonly caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI). It can cause pain during urination, frequent urination, and strong-smelling urine.

2. What are the symptoms of cystitis?

Symptoms include pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, dark or cloudy urine, and pain in the lower stomach. In children, symptoms may also include fever and irritability.

3. What causes cystitis?

Cystitis is often caused by a UTI, but can also result from catheter use, radiation exposure, certain medications, or irritating hygiene products.

4. How is cystitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a urine sample to check for infection, cystoscopy to examine the bladder, and imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scan to identify abnormalities.

5. How can cystitis be prevented?

Prevent cystitis by drinking plenty of water, urinating regularly, wiping from front to back, showering instead of bathing, and avoiding irritating hygiene products.