Cystitis refers to a condition where the bladder starts to inflame, which can result in a burning sensation and pain. Inflammation is when specific body parts start to swell and is often followed by a burning sensation.
Cystitis is often the result of an infection in the urinary tract, which results from bacteria building up throughout the Urinary Tract. While the infection starts at the bladder, it can often make its way to the kidneys, resulting in several health conditions.
Better known as a UTI, this type of bacterial infection can be annoying at the best of times or extremely painful at its worst. If you feel or see the relevant symptoms of UTI, you should contact a urologist immediately.
(Source)
It is important to know that Cystitis can result from certain medications or radiation therapy. Other factors that could contribute to individuals developing a UTI include using a catheter for a long time or various hygiene products. Finally, Cystitis can also be the result of an underlying health concern.
Treatment options can be varied, as physicians will have to consider various factors before they can follow through on treating the issue.
Causes of Cystitis
The Urinary tract includes several organs, all of which are responsible for helping the body remove toxins from the blood and dispose of waste. These organs include the urethra, the bladder, the ureters, and the kidneys.
The urinary tract infection usually develops in the bladder and slowly works its way upward to the kidneys. To understand what causes Cystitis, it is worth looking at its different types:
Noninfectious Cystitis
One of the most common reasons the bladder inflames is a bacterial infection. However, there are other reasons why the bladder might start to inflame:
- Chemical Cystitis is when certain people can be very sensitive to certain types of chemicals in different products. The chemicals can eventually reach the bladder and lead to inflammation.
- Foreign body Cystitis happens when an individual uses a catheter for a long time or if inserting the catheter causes tissue damage. In each case, inflammation is possible.
- Radiation cystitis is when the bladder starts to inflame as a direct result of radiation therapy in the pelvic region.
- Drug related Cystitis is when certain medicine can break down and react negatively with the bladder, causing it to inflame. It is especially common in medication for chemotherapy.
Bacterial Cystitis
Bacterial Cystitis is the most common reason why the bladder inflames. This condition results from bacteria entering the body through the urinary tract, resulting in an infection. The most common type of bacteria to cause bacterial Cystitis is E.Coli, but other types of bacteria can lead to inflammation too.
Sexually active people can often develop a UTI as well.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Cystitis can include:
- Low fever
- A strange pressure building on your abdomen
- Pelvic discomfort
- Passing urine with a strong smell
- Urine often contains blood (hematuria)
- Urinating frequently and in small amounts
- Urinating causes a burning feeling
If children accidentally wet themselves during the daytime, this could also likely be a sign of a UTI.
General Risk Factors
Most people can be at a higher risk of developing bladder infections, especially if they are not careful. Common risk factors include:
- Using certain types of birth control
- Going through menopause
- Are sexually active
- Changes in the immune system
- Factors affecting the flow of urine
- Frequent use of catheters
An Overview of Cystitis: Conclusion
Cystitis can be a very painful condition to deal with and often requires the help of an expert. At Fifth Avenue Urology, Dr. Yaniv Larish has the skill, experience, and technology to effectively and painlessly treat this condition.
Call today for a consultation.
FIFTH AVENUE UROLOGY
5 East 83rd Street
New York, NY 10028
212-675-3186
Dr. Larish is a urologist and surgeon treating women and men with a variety of urological conditions. His expertise is in treating complex kidney stones, enlarged prostates (BPH), incontinence, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and urological oncology (prostate, bladder, kidney, and adrenal cancers). He is an expert in general urology and is often consulted for second opinions.
As we mentioned earlier, cystitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, more specifically E Coli. While E Coli can be found in your digestive tract and your skin and cause no issues, it can be harmful once it enters your urinary tract.