When the bladder becomes inflamed it is known as cystitis. It is usually associated with an infection of the bladder and is more common in women. In most cases, this is more of a pain in everyday life, rather than being a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. In fact, mild cases are almost always better in a few days. However, there are some people who have battling cystitis frequently, which can lead to kidney infections that are more serious, and will require that you get medical attention.
Do you have cystitis?
There are several symptoms of cystitis, the main ones are:
- Pain, burning or stinging when you urinate
- Having the urge to urinate more often
- Strong smelling urine
- Urine may be dark or cloudy
- A pain in the stomach
- You may feel sick, as you ache and are tired
Young children who develop cystitis also run a fever that is above 100.4. They may also be weak, have a reduced appetite and be irritable.
When to see a doctor
For women who have had cystitis before, they usually do not need to see a doctor as the mild case will clear up on its own. There are several at home remedies you can utilize or ask a pharmacist what you should do. For times in which you think you should see a doctor, these situations include:
- If this is your first time of having cystitis
- The symptoms do not get better in a few days
- You have reoccurring bouts of cystitis
- You see blood in your urine
- Pregnant
- If you are a man
- If a child is showing signs of cystitis
Causes
For the most part, cystitis seems to be caused by bacteria from the bowels getting on the skin and then passing into the urethra. This can happen through:
- Sexual intercourse
- Wiping from back to front after a bowel movement
- Inserting a tampon or a urinary catheter
- Using a diaphragm
Treatment
For those who go to the doctor, provide an antibiotic to fight the infection which takes effect in a day or two. For those who have had this before and do not feel the need to go to the doctor, they should:
- Take over the counter pain products
- Drink lots of water
- Use a hot water bottle for the pain that you may feel in your stomach
- Avoid sex until this clears up
Related Video
FACT CHECK
https://www.healthline.com/health/cystitis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371306