What is Cystitis (bladder infection)

Cystitis (bladder infection) is an inflammation of the bladder, and it is a type of urinary tract infection UTI. Cystitis may occur by spread of infection from urethra or upper urinary tract, and it is of two types: Acute and chronic.

1. Acute cystitis: appears suddenly, and is characterized by redness and, swollen and hemorrhagic bladder. There could be ulcers on the bladder mucosa.
2. Chronic cystitis: also called interstitial cystitis, it is a long-lasting bladder infection. Repeated attacks of acute cystitis will often lead to chronic cystitis.

Causes of Cystitis

Most cases of cystitis are caused by bacteria E-coli, other possible infectious causes of cystitis include Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas and Proteus. In addition, radiation and direct exposure to chemical irritant may also cause cystitis.

Risk factors

Cystitis, like other types of urinary tract infections (UTIs), is more common in females than in males (especially pregnant and postmenopausal women) because of the shortness of urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to get to their bladders. The use of sexual intercourse, spermicidal condoms or diaphragm will also increase the risk of infection. In males, prostatic obstruction is a frequent cause of cystitis.

Generally, there is an increased risk of bladder infection in people with:

• Diabetes
• Urinary tract obstruction
• Recent urinary tract infection
• Use of catheter
• Interference with the flow of urine
• Kidney stones

Symptoms of cystitis

Signs and symptoms of cystitis include:

• Frequency of urinating
• Dysuria (pain on micturition)
• Burning sensation while urinating
• Low abdominal pain• Suprapubic pain
• Smelly and cloudy urine
• Haematuria
• A low Fever
• Chills

Treatment of cystitis

Treatment for cystitis includes the following:

1. Antibiotic therapy: antibiotics are used when the cause of cystitis is bacterial infection. Most common antibiotics used in treating cystitis are:
   • Trimethoprim
   • Co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim-sulfomethoxazole)
   • Nitrofurantion
   • Fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin)
2. Surgery: cystitis can be treated with surgery, but it is more common with chronic conditions.