Urinary tract infection - Cystitis

Cystitis is any inflammation of the urine bladder. It is more frequent in women than in men. It is classified as sporadic or recurrent, and complicated or uncomplicated.

There are different causes although the most frequent is infectious. Generally the infection is bacterial, and in up to 80% of cases the bacterium is E. coli.

The most common symptoms are increased urinary frequency, burning when urinating, cloudy urine, blood in urine, pain in the suprapubic area, fever, cramps in the lower abdomen or back, and an urgent need to urinate even after having done so just a few minutes before. In the elderly it may present as a picture of weakness, fever, confusion and even falls.

It is diagnosed by taking a medical history and urinalysis. In many cases, a urine culture will be done to determine the causative germ. An imaging test may be necessary to rule out complications.

Treatment will focus on the triggering cause. If the cause is infectious, antibiotics should be administered. As non-pharmacological measures it is advisable to drink plenty of water, adequate hygiene avoiding contact of microorganisms from the anal region with the urinary tract, prevent constipation and urinate frequently, before and after intercourse.