Acute cystitis is a sudden inflammation of the bladder, typically caused by a bacterial infection. It is one of the most common urinary tract infections (UTIs), affecting both men and women, though women are more vulnerable due to their shorter urethra. Risk factors include sexual activity, poor hygiene, use of spermicides, and underlying medical conditions like diabetes. Symptoms often include frequent urination, a burning sensation during urination, lower abdominal pain, and bloody urination. If left untreated, this may lead to more serious complications, such as kidney infections. Proper medication treatment with antibiotics and proper hygiene practices are essential for recovery.
What is Acute Cystitis?
Acute cystitis is a sudden infection in the bladder, usually caused by bacteria, especially a type called "E. coli." It happens when these bacteria enter the bladder and cause irritation and inflammation. This is more common in women because their urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Other things like poor hygiene, sexual activity, or using certain products like spermicides can increase the risk of getting cystitis. While it can be uncomfortable, with symptoms like painful or frequent urination like urinary incontinence, it can usually be treated with antibiotics.
Causes of Acute Cystitis
There are many causes associated with this type of cystitis. They are as follows:
Bacterial Infection
E.coli is a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. It is responsible for about 80-90% of acute cystitis cases. E.coil can travel from the rectum or skin around the anus to the urethra and then to the bladder, where it causes infection. The structure of E.coli bacteria allows it to stick to the lining of the bladder, making it difficult for the body to flush it out during urination.
Particularly vaginal intercourse can introduce bacteria from the genital area into the urinary tract and leads to vaginal yeast infections. Women are especially open due to the proximity of the urethra to the anus and vaginal opening.
Sexual Activity
Sexual activity, particularly vaginal sex, can introduce bacteria from the genital area into the urinary tract. Women are specifically susceptible because of the proximity of the urethra to the anus and vaginal starting. During sex, the microorganism bacteria can be pushed into the urethra, which can cause infection inside the bladder and lead to painful sex.
Hormonal Changes or Imbalances
After menopause, women naturally decline in estrogen hormone levels. Estrogen plays an essential and protective function in maintaining the health and thickness of the bladder lining. A decrease in estrogen leads to the thinning of the urinary tract tissues, making them more significantly prone to bacterial infections.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly increased progesterone levels, cause the urinary tract muscles to relax. This can slow down urine flow, increasing the risk of bacterial growth in the bladder.
Blockages in Urinary Tract
Stones in the urinary tract can create blockages that prevent normal urine flow. When urine flow is restricted, it becomes easier for bacteria to grow and multiply in the bladder, leading to infection.
Symptoms of Acute Cystitis
Frequent Urination
A person with acute cystitis often feels the need to urinate more frequently than usual. Usually, people urinate 6–8 times a day; however, in cystitis, the frequency can increase significantly. This occurs because the bladder is irritated and inflamed. The irritation triggers the bladder’s nerve endings, making you feel like you need to empty your bladder even if there isn’t much urine.
Burning Sensation or Pain During Urination
Dysuria is the medical term for pain or discomfort while urinating. In cystitis, this is typically a burning sensation. The dysuria infection and inflammation of the bladder and urethra irritate the lining of the urinary tract, leading to pain during the passage of urine. This can make urination a distressing experience, leading to reluctance to urinate despite the frequency and urgency. If urine is held for long periods, this might worsen the infection.
Urine With a Foul Smell
A common cystitis symptom is cloudy or strong, foul-smelling urine. The infection causes the body to release white blood cells and bacteria into the urine, contributing to cloudiness and odor. Decomposing bacteria and proteins in the urine can also produce a foul smell. These changes can indicate infection severity and may cause concern for the individual.
Pelvic Discomfort
Pelvic discomfort is the pain or pressure in the lower abdomen, most commonly in women. The bladder sits in the pelvic area, and inflammation leads to a feeling of heaviness, pressure, or pain in this region. This discomfort can make sitting or lying down uncomfortable, adding to the overall unease caused by the infection.
Blood in The Urine
Blood in the urine may range from barely noticeable streaks to visibly red or cola-colored urine. Inflammation of the bladder lining can cause small blood vessels to rupture, leading to the presence of blood in the urine. While hematuria in cystitis is usually not a sign of something more serious, but requires medical evaluation to rule out other conditions. It is a direct result of the inflammation caused by the infection.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Acute Cystitis
Acute cystitis, commonly known as a urinary tract infection (UTI), is an inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by bacterial infection. Symptoms include frequent, urgent, and painful urination, lower abdominal discomfort, and sometimes hematuria (blood in urine). Diagnosis is typically made based on symptoms and confirmed by a urinalysis showing the presence of white blood cells, bacteria, and sometimes red blood cells.
A urine culture may also be performed to identify the specific pathogen. Patients are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to flush out bacteria. Analgesics like phenazopyridine may provide pain relief.
How to Prevent Acute Cystitis?
This type of cystitis, a common bladder infection, can be prevented by adopting healthy urinary habits. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract, reducing the likelihood of infection.
Good Hygiene Habits
Wipe back and forth after using the toilet to prevent bacteria from entering the drain from the anus and maintain vaginal hygiene. Avoid using harsh soaps or lotions during sex, which can irritate and disrupt the natural bacterial balance. Wearing breathable cotton clothing allows air to circulate, keeping the area dry and reducing the risk of bacterial growth.
Preventive Medications
For people who are prone to UTIs or cystitis, the doctor may prescribe low-dose antibiotics to be taken after sex or daily for a short period as a preventive treatment Estrogen-containing medications may be recommended for postmenopausal women to restore the protective lining to the vagina and urethra.
Proper Diet Methods
Some studies suggest that cranberry products may help reduce the risk of UTIs by preventing bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt may help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the urinary and digestive systems.
Conclusion
Acute cystitis, primarily caused by bacterial infections, especially E. Coli, can significantly affect urinary health if left untreated. Its main symptoms include frequent, painful urination, lower abdominal pain, and urgency. Risk factors such as poor hygiene, dehydration, and sexual activity contribute to its occurrence. Prevention involves maintaining proper hygiene, staying hydrated, and urinating after intercourse. Treatment typically includes antibiotics, but lifestyle adjustments can help reduce recurrence. For recurrent cases, long-term prevention strategies like low-dose antibiotics or topical estrogen may be considered. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential in preventing complications like kidney infections and ensuring quick recovery.
FAQ's
How Is Acute Cystitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made through a urine test to check for bacteria, white blood cells, or blood in the urine. Sometimes, a urine culture is performed to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection.
What Happens If Cystitis Is Left Untreated?
If untreated, cystitis can lead to more severe infections, such as a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which may require more aggressive treatment and could lead to long-term kidney damage.
Can Acute Cystitis Be Related To Other Health Conditions?
Yes, conditions like diabetes, bladder stones, or prostate enlargement can increase the risk of cystitis. Immune system suppression or a weakened bladder lining can also make someone more susceptible.
What Causes Acute Cystitis?
The main cause of this type of cystitis is a bacterial infection, typically from Escherichia coli (E. coli), which naturally occurs in the intestines. Bacteria can enter the urinary tract through the urethra and infect the bladder.
Can Men Get Acute Cystitis?
Yes, men can develop cystitis, but it is less common. In men, cystitis can sometimes be related to an underlying condition such as an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract abnormality.