Cystitis is a condition that can cause inflammation and pain in your bladder. The condition can be caused by a number of things, including bacteria, viruses, and even certain medications. In most cases, cystitis is not serious and can be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, in some cases, the condition can lead to more serious complications, so it is important to see your doctor if you think you may have cystitis.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of cystitis is a burning sensation when you urinate. You may also experience pain in your lower abdomen, cloudy or bloody urine, and an urge to urinate more often than usual.
Cystitis can cause your urine to become cloudy due to the presence of pus or blood. The cloudy appearance is usually caused by white blood cells, which are a sign of infection. Blood in your urine may be pink, red, or brown and can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as kidney stones or a urinary tract infection.
Causes
There are a number of things that can cause cystitis, including:
Bacteria: Cystitis is most often caused by bacteria entering your bladder through the urethra. The bacteria can come from contaminated food or water, sexual activity, or even from holding in your urine for too long.
Viruses: Cystitis can also be caused by viruses, such as the herpes simplex virus.
Medications: Certain medications, such as some antibiotics, can cause cystitis.
Irritants: Certain irritants, such as soaps, douches, or spermicides, can also cause cystitis.
Complications
In most cases, cystitis is not serious and can be treated with over-the-counter medications. However, in some cases, the condition can lead to more serious complications, such as:
If cystitis is not treated properly, it can lead to a kidney infection, which can be very dangerous.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in your urinary system, which includes your kidneys, bladder, and urethra. A UTI can be very painful and can cause serious health complications if not treated promptly.
Pregnant women and cystitis
Cystitis is common in pregnant women, due to the increased pressure on the bladder from the growing uterus. Pregnant women are also more susceptible to UTIs. If you are pregnant and think you may have cystitis, it is important to see your doctor right away.
Treatment
The treatment for cystitis depends on the underlying cause.
Bacterial cystitis: If cystitis is caused by bacteria, it will usually go away on its own within a few days. However, you may need to take antibiotics to clear the infection.
Viral cystitis: There is no specific treatment for viral cystitis. The condition will usually go away on its own within a few days.
Medication-induced cystitis: If your cystitis is caused by a medication, you may need to stop taking the medication or change to a different one.
Irritant-induced cystitis: If your cystitis is caused by an irritant, you will need to avoid the irritant and drink plenty of fluids.
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to help prevent cystitis. First, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to keep your urinary tract flushed. Secondly, you should always urinate when you feel the urge and avoid holding your urine for long periods of time. Finally, you should wipe from front to back after using the toilet to avoid spreading bacteria. If you are sexually active, you should also use condoms to help prevent the spread of bacteria.
Consult a Doctor
If you think that you show any signs and symptoms related to the above mentioned infection, please visit your nearest medical facility for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Early diagnosis and treatment of cystitis can help prevent the condition from progressing to a more serious infection. If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with a doctor. You can find Nephrologist in Lahore and Nephrologist in Islamabad.
