Five Symptoms Of Cystitis

May 05, 2017 Cystitis / UTI

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder generally caused by a urine infection. Men and children can suffer from the condition but it is more common in women.  The main cause is bacteria transferring from your bowel to the bladder.  

Women are more prone to cystitis because their urethra and anus are quite close together.  Most women will have have cystitis at least once before the age of twenty four and are more susceptible when pregnant. Factors such as having diabetes, being sexually active, kidney problems, the menopause and a weakened immune system can also cause cystitis.  

Here is a list of the five main symptoms of cystitis.

An Overwhelming Desire To Urinate

The irritation of cystitis causes your bladder to think that it is full when it is not.  Sufferers feel an urgent need to go to the toilet but tend to produce very little water when they urinate.  Urine is often cloudy and very concentrated.

A Burning Sensation When Urinating

When you have cystitis it feels as you are passing shards of glass when you are urinating, the pain is so intense that it can bring tears to your eyes and leave you breathless.  Occasionally you may pass blood.

Pelvic Discomfort

You may feel that your pelvis is uncomfortable and that there is a feeling of pressure in your abdomen.  This is the effect of the inflammation caused by the infection.

Low Grade Fever

You may find that your temperature is elevated - this is again caused by your body trying to fight the infection.

When You Should See Your Doctor

If you suffer from the following cystitis symptoms you should arrange to see your Doctor immediately:-

• Back or side pain.
• Fever and chills.
• Nausea and vomiting.

(Source Mayo Clinic).

How To Treat Cystitis

First time cases of cystitis are normally treated by a short course of antibiotics.  If it is recurrent then you will have a longer course of antibiotics, in extreme cases you may need to be treated in hospital.  

It is extremely important that you take the full course of treatment or the antibiotics will be ineffective and the infection will get considerably harder to eliminate.

Prevention

The NHS Choices website suggests the following ways that may help to prevent cystitis and reduce the chances of it occurring.

• Use non perfumed bath and shower products.
• Have a shower rather than a bath.
• Go to the toilet when you need to and empty your bladder.
• Drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated.
• Wipe your bottom from front to back.
• Empty your bladder as soon as possible after sex (without killing the moment).
• Avoid using a diaphragm as  contraception.
• Wear cotton underwear and loose fitting clothes.

If you think that you may be suffering from cystitis please visit here for a consultation and you will be able to have the right treatment.  If symptoms persist and you are feeling particularly unwell don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor.