Cystitis

Cystitis

Cystitis is inflammation of the urinary bladder, most commonly caused by a bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI). It leads to symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urge to urinate, lower abdominal pain, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Cystitis is more common in women but can affect men and children as well.

Cystitis

What is Cystitis?

Cystitis occurs when bacteria (usually E. coli) enter the urinary tract and infect the bladder lining, causing inflammation and irritation. While most cases are infectious, cystitis can also be non-infectious (e.g., chemical irritation, radiation, medications).

Types of Cystitis

  1. Acute Bacterial Cystitis

    • Sudden onset bladder infection

  2. Recurrent Cystitis

    • Repeated episodes of bladder infection

  3. Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome)

    • Chronic bladder pain without clear infection

  4. Chemical Cystitis

    • Due to irritation from soaps, spermicides, or hygiene products

  5. Radiation Cystitis

    • After pelvic radiation therapy

Causes

  • Bacterial infection (E. coli most common)

  • Poor genital hygiene

  • Inadequate fluid intake

  • Holding urine for long periods

  • Sexual activity

  • Use of urinary catheters

  • Diabetes

  • Menopause (low estrogen increases risk)

  • Kidney stones or prostate enlargement (in men)

Common Symptoms

  • Burning or pain during urination

  • Frequent urge to pass urine (often small amounts)

  • Urgency to urinate

  • Lower abdominal or pelvic pain

  • Cloudy, strong-smelling urine

  • Blood in urine (hematuria)

  • Low-grade fever (sometimes)

  • Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying

Risk Factors

  • Female anatomy (shorter urethra)

  • Sexual activity

  • Pregnancy

  • Menopause

  • Diabetes

  • Dehydration

  • Use of catheters

  • History of UTIs