Acute Cystitis
Overview
Causes
Bacteria can cause an infection in the bladder. The bacteria normally live in the colon or vagina. It may be passed or move to the area urine (pee) leaves the body. The bacteria can then travel up into the bladder.
Less often, acute cystitis may be caused by medicine or trauma.
Risk Factors
Acute cystitis is more common in women. Things that may raise the risk of uncomplicated cystitis include:
- Being sexually active
- Use of spermicide
- A new sexual partner
- Having acute cystitis in the past
Things that raise the risk of complicated cystitis include:
- Diabetes
- Weak immune system
- Pregnancy
- Menopause
- Bladder catheter in place or recently used
- Neurogenic bladder
- Kidney problems, such as:
- Renal insufficiency
- Polycystic kidneys
- History of kidney transplant
- Problems that slow the flow of urine, such as vesicoureteral reflux or kidney stones
- Tumor
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Symptoms of acute cystitis may include:
- Urgent need to urinate (pee) or frequent urination
- Passing only small amounts of urine
- Pain in the belly or pelvic area
- Burning sensation during urination
- Cloudy, bad-smelling urine
- Leaking of urine
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and low desire to eat
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will also be done. A sample of urine will be taken and tested for blood and pus. Sometimes the urine will be tested to look for the exact type of bacteria.
A CT scan may be needed for more severe problems or problems that keep coming back. The scan may help to see problems or blockages in the bladder.
Treatments
Treatment
Cystitis from a bladder infection can be treated with antibiotics. A hospital stay and IV antibiotics may be needed with a severe infection.
The infection may cause pain and spasms in the bladder. The doctor may advise medicine to help manage pain until it passes.
If the cystitis is caused by medicine or trauma those causes will need to be managed.
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.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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