Inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by infection, often by bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract (E. coli).
It can be spontaneous or associated with anatomical factors, chronic diseases, bladder stones, etc.
Symptoms vary according to age. In newborns up to one year of age, symptoms are non-specific: lack of energy, loss of appetite, hypothermia, vomiting, diarrhoea, stunted growth, fever, etc. In children between one and two years of age, there is typically a plateau in growth-weight development, lack of energy, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal symptoms and fever. From the age of two, symptoms become more defined: painful urination, constant urge to urinate, incontinence or urinary retention, blood in the urine and urgency.
The diagnosis is made clinically, based on a history and physical examination. A urinalysis and culture will be done.
Treatment will focus on the underlying cause. If the cause is infectious, antibiotics should be given. Non-pharmacological measures include drinking plenty of water, good hygiene to avoid contact between micro-organisms from the anal area and the urinary tract, prevention of constipation and prevention of blockage.
- Debra L Palazzi. Acute cystitis: Clinical features and diagnosis in children older than two years and adolescents. UpToDate. Julio 2016
- Debra L Palazzi. Acute cystitis: Management and prognosis in children older than two years and adolescents. UpToDate. Junio 2015
- Shaikh N. Does this child have a urinary tract infection? JAMA 2007; 298:2895.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. CG54 Urinary tract infection in children. 2007 (Accessed on March 03, 2014).
- Boggan JC. Pediatric-specific antimicrobial susceptibility data and empiric antibiotic selection. Pediatrics 2012; 130:e615.
