Cystitis - acute bacterial

Alternative names

Definition

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cystitis occurs when the normally sterile lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder) is infected by bacteria and becomes irritated and inflamed. It is very common, occurring in more than 6 million Americans a year.

The condition frequently affects sexually active women ages 20 to 50 but may also occur in those who are not sexually active or in young girls. Older adults are also at high risk for developing cystitis, with the incidence in the elderly being much higher than in younger people.

Cystitis is rare in males. Females are more prone to the development of cystitis because of their relatively shorter urethra -- bacteria do not have to travel as far to enter the bladder -- and because of the relatively short distance between the opening of the urethra and the anus.

More than 85% of cases of cystitis are caused by Escherichia coli , a bacterium found in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Sexual intercourse can increase the risk of cystitis because bacteria can be introduced into the bladder through the urethra during sexual activity. Once bacteria enter the bladder, they normally are removed through urination. When bacteria multiply faster than they are removed by urination, infection results.

Risks for cystitis include obstruction of the bladder or urethra with resultant stagnation of urine, insertion of instruments into the urinary tract (such as catheterization or cystoscopy ), pregnancy, diabetes , HIV , and a history of analgesic nephropathy or reflux nephropathy .

The elderly of both sexes are at increased risk for developing cystitis due to incomplete emptying of the bladder associated with such conditions as benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ), prostatitis and urethral strictures . Also, lack of adequate fluids, bowel incontinence , immobility or decreased mobility and placement in a nursing home, all put people at increased risk for cystitis.

Symptoms

• Pressure in the lower pelvis
• Painful urination ( dysuria )
• Frequent need to urinate
• Urgent need to urinate
• Need to urinate at night ( nocturia )
• Abnormal urine color (cloudy)
• Blood in the urine ( hematuria )
• Foul or strong urine odor

• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Penis pain (rare)
• Flank pain
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Mental changes or confusion *

Signs and tests

• A urinalysis commonly reveals white blood cells ( WBCs ) or red blood cells ( RBCs ).
• A urine culture (clean catch) or catheterized urine specimen may be performed to determine the type of bacteria in the urine and the appropriate antibiotic for treatment.

Treatment

Because of the risk of the infection spreading to the kidneys ( complicated UTI ) and due to the high complication rate in the elderly population and in diabetics, prompt treatment is almost recommended.

MEDICATIONS:
Antibiotics are used to control the bacterial infection. It is imperative that you finish the entire course of prescribed antibiotics. Commonly used antibiotics include:

• Nitrofurantoin
• Sulfa drugs (sulfonamides) such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)
• Amoxicillin
• Cephalosporins
• Ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin
• Doxycycline

Expectations (prognosis)

Complications

• Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infection
• Complicated UTI ( pyelonephritis )
• Acute renal failure

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of cystitis .

Call your health care provider if you have cystitis and symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, especially fever , back or flank pain , or vomiting .

Prevention

Keeping the genital area clean and remembering to wipe from front to back may reduce the chance of introducing bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.

Increasing the intake of fluids may allow frequent urination to flush the bacteria from the bladder. Urinating immediately after sexual intercourse may help eliminate any bacteria that may have been introduced during intercourse. Refraining from urinating for long period of time may allow bacteria time to multiply, so frequent urinating may reduce risk of cystitis in those who are prone to urinary tract infections .

Increasing the intake of fluids (64 to 128 ounces per day) encourages frequent urination that flushes bacteria from the bladder. Drinking cranberry juice prevents certain types of bacteria from attaching to the wall of the bladder and may lessen the chance of infection.

Update Date: 7/31/2002