Bladder Infection (Cystitis)
What is a bladder infection?
A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is a type of urinary tract infection. The inner lining of the bladder becomes inflamed (red and swollen) and bacteria are in the urine.
How does it occur?
Bacterial infection is the usual cause of cystitis. Normally there should be no bacteria in the urinary tract. A bladder infection happens when bacteria travel up the urethra and into the bladder.
Women are more likely to have bladder infections than men because their urethra is shorter. The short urethra makes it easier for bacteria from the anus or genital area to reach the bladder. This can happen during sex or when you wipe after using the toilet. Most infections of the urinary tract are caused this way.
Young women often have bladder infections when they have just started being sexually active.
Bacteria may grow in the urine if the flow of urine is blocked. For example, in men, an enlarged prostate may cause such a blockage.
What are the symptoms?
Possible symptoms of a bladder infection include:
- urinating more often
- feeling an urgent need to urinate
- feeling burning, stinging, or pressure during urination
- a crampy pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen just above the pubic bone or sometimes in the lower back
- a need to urinate more often at night
- cloudy urine that smells bad
- blood in the urine
- leaking of urine
- fever and sometimes chills.
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine you. A sample of your urine may be tested. You may also have blood tests. More tests may be done if you have had several infections.
When men have a bladder infection usually more tests are done because cystitis is less common in men. The tests will check for possible causes of the infection.
How is it treated?
Bladder infection is a common problem that can usually be treated easily. Your healthcare provider will prescribe an antibiotic to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of infection to your kidneys.
Your healthcare provider may also prescribe Pyridium. This medicine helps reduce discomfort in the bladder. Pyridium will turn your urine orange and may stain your clothing.
If the infection is causing fever, pain, or vomiting, you may have to spend a day or two in the hospital and get antibiotics by vein (IV).
If you have infections often, your healthcare provider may ask you to have a follow-up visit after you have taken all of the antibiotic so another sample of your urine can be tested. This is to make sure the infection is gone.
How long will the effects last?
Prompt treatment of a bladder infection with antibiotics usually relieves the symptoms in 24 to 48 hours. If your case is more serious, you may need several days to feel better.
How can I take care of myself?
- Take all of the antibiotic that your healthcare provider prescribes, even when you feel better. Do not take medicine left over from previous prescriptions.
- If your provider prescribed Pyridium, use it to feel better while you are waiting for the antibiotic to work.
- Drink more fluids, especially water, to help flush the bacteria from your system.
- Follow your healthcare provider's directions for a follow-up urine test. Your provider may want to test your urine soon after you finish taking the antibiotic.
- Follow your healthcare provider's recommendation for regular urine testing to check for recurrence, if necessary.
If you have a fever:
- Rest in bed if your temperature is over 100°F (38°C).
- Ask your healthcare provider if you should take aspirin or acetaminophen for the fever.
- Keep a record of your daily temperature.
Call your healthcare provider if you are not getting better after you have taken the antibiotic for 48 hours. Call sooner if your symptoms are getting worse, such as a fever that is getting higher or back pain.
What can I do to help prevent bladder infection?
To help keep from getting another bladder infection, urinate often during the day. Empty your bladder completely each time.
Also, if you are a woman who often has bladder infections:
- Talk to your healthcare provider. You may need extra tests to find out why you have so many bladder infections. Your provider may prescribe medicine that helps prevent infections.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Urinate whenever you feel the need to urinate. Don't delay.
- Keep the vaginal area clean. Wipe from front to back after using the toilet. Be sure to wash the genital area gently each time you bathe or shower. However, use soap only on the outside of your vagina. The chemicals in soap may cause more irritation.
- Urinate after sex. Never combine anal and vaginal intercourse.
- Wear cotton underwear, which allows better air circulation than nylon. Wear pantyhose with cotton crotches.
- Avoid tight clothes in the genital area, such as control-top pantyhose and tight jeans. Do not wear a wet bathing suit for long periods of time.
If you have stopped having your periods because of menopause and are not taking estrogen, your provider might suggest a vaginal cream. Sometimes this cream helps prevent bladder infections.
Men should always wash their penis during baths or showers. If you are not circumcised, gently pull back the foreskin and wash the tip of the penis when you bathe.
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Published by RelayHealth.
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