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Acute Cystitis

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(Bladder Infection)

Definition

Acute cystitis is inflammation of the bladder. It is usually caused by an infection. There are two types are of acute cystitis:
  • Uncomplicated—Premenopausal, nonpregnant women, and in people with no other underlying conditions
  • Complicated—Underlying conditions are present.
The Urinary Tract
The Urinary Tract
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Causes

Acute cystitis is most often caused by bacteria. Bacteria enter the urethra and travel into the bladder. The urethra is a tube that allows urine to pass from the bladder to the outside. Bacteria may come from the lower intestines, the rectal area, or skin.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your risk of uncomplicated cystitis include:
  • History of acute cystitis
  • Sexual activity
  • Birth control—Use of diaphragm or condoms coated with spermicide
Factors that increase your risk of complicated cystitis include:
  • Having a urinary catheter
  • History of childhood urinary tract infection
  • Compromised immune system
  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes, type 1 or type 2
  • Abnormalities of urinary system, such as kidney stones or kidney transplant
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Catheter use
  • Birth control devices—Use of diaphragm or with spermicide

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:
  • Frequent and urgent need to urinate
  • Passing only small amounts of urine
  • Pain in your abdomen, pelvic area, or lower back
  • Burning sensation during urination
  • Leaking urine
  • Increased need to get up at night to urinate
  • Cloudy, bad-smelling urine
  • Blood in your urine
  • Low-grade fever
  • Fatigue

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Urine will be tested for the presence of bacteria.
Acute cystitis is common in women. Children and men who develop acute cystitis may require additional examination of the bladder.

Treatment

Acute cystitis is treated with antibiotics. It is important to take all antibiotics as recommended. Finish all your antibiotics even if you are feeling better.
Your doctor may also prescribe medication to reduce pain and bladder spasms.

Prevention

Here are some steps you can take to keep bacteria out of your urinary tract:
  • Drink plenty of liquids.
  • Include cranberry juice in your diet. Some studies support the use of cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections.
  • Urinate when you have the urge. Do not resist it.
  • After sexual intercourse, empty your bladder.
  • Wash genitals daily.
  • If you're a woman, always wipe from the front to the back after having a bowel movement.
  • Avoid using douches and feminine hygiene sprays.
  • Avoid wearing tight underwear or clothing.

RESOURCES

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases http://www.niddk.nih.gov

American Urological Association Foundation http://www.urologyhealth.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

The Kidney Foundation of Canada http://www.kidney.ca

References

Acute cystitis in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated February 28, 2013. Accessed April 12, 2013.

Colgan R, Williams M. Diagnosis and treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis. Am Fam Physician. 2011;84(77):771-776.

Cranberry. EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. EBSCO Health Library website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/healthlibrary. Updated September 17, 2013. Accessed April 12, 2013.

Katchman EA, Milo G, et al. Three-day vs longer duration of antibiotic treatment for cystitis in women: systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2005;118(11):1196-1207.

Urinary tract infections in adults. American Urological Association Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=47. Updated March 2013. Accessed April 12, 2013.

What I need to know about urinary tract infections. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/uti%5Fez/. Updated June 29, 2012. Accessed April 12, 2013.

5/6/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php: Barbosa-Cesnik C, Brown MB, et al. Cranberry juice fails to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection: results from a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Clin Infect Dis. 2011;52(1):23-30.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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