Cystitis (UTI)
Introduction
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Cystitis
Cystitis is a relatively common type of urinary tract infection (UTI). Cystitis can manifest as an acute condition where the symptoms set in quickly, or a chronic condition that manifests as recurring infections. Generally, cystitis isn’t dangerous, but it can cause pain and discomfort in those suffering from it.
What Is Cystitis?
Cystitis is characterised by an inflammation of the bladder. This means that the bladder becomes irritated and swollen, causing uncomfortable symptoms. Cystitis is usually caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is a bacterial infection in the bladder or urethra. While cystitis can affect anyone, it is more prevalent in women.
What Causes Cystitis?
Cystitis is typically caused by a bacterial infection, but it can also occur if the bladder is irritated or damaged because of something else. The majority of cases are thought to be caused by bacteria that gets into the bladder through the urethra.
In the bladder, bacteria can multiply and lead to an infection. While bacterial infections are the most common cause of cystitis, the condition may also occur due to certain medications, chemicals, radiation or foreign bodies like catheters.
While it is not always clear how bacteria make it into the urethra, some things seem to increase the risk of it happening.
Having sex increases the risk of bacteria infecting the bladder. Other things that might increase the odds of developing cystitis are having a urinary catheter or using a diaphragm as a means of contraception.
Types of Cystitis
Cystitis is either acute or interstitial. Acute cystitis is characterized by its sudden onset, whereas interstitial cystitis is a chronic, long-term condition. Both types of cystitis have a range of causes that determine their type:
- Radiation Cystitis: radiation therapies in the pelvic area can cause inflammation in bladder tissue
- Bacterial Cystitis: when bacteria outside the body enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply. It is vital to treat bacterial cystitis as quickly as possible since the infection can spread to the kidneys if it is untreated
- Drug-induced Cystitis: certain medications can lead to cystitis as they can cause inflammation in the bladder as they exit the body
- Chemical Cystitis: Interactions between certain hygiene products and the bladder may also result in cystitis
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