When you see a medical condition ending in “-itis,” you can assume that a portion of your body is inflamed. With cystitis, the bladder is affected. And it informs you of this with frequent bathroom trips that frequently hurt and never provide relief.

The most prevalent type of urinary tract infection is cystitis (UTI). When you have a UTI, bacteria in your bladder cause it to swell and become irritated, resulting in symptoms such as an increased need to urinate.

Cystitis is much more prevalent in women than in men. Typically, it is more annoying than dangerous, and antibiotics are used to treat it. However, bacteria can travel from the bladder to the kidneys and cause more severe issues; therefore, it is crucial to treat it immediately.

Causes

Typically, E. coli bacteria are to blame. They normally inhabit your skin and intestines, and they pose no threat. However, if bacteria enter the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, they can cause problems in the bladder.

Less frequently, cystitis can be caused by:

• Chemicals in personal care products, such as bubble baths, soaps, and spermicides
• Chemotherapeutic agents
• Damage from bladder surgery or a catheter — a tube that helps empty the bladder of urine
• Radiation treatment for pelvic cancer

Interstitial cystitis is a condition in which the bladder is perpetually swollen and affects some individuals. It is significantly more difficult to treat than common cystitis, and its cause is unknown.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Here are a few things you may observe:

• It burns, stings, and/or hurts to urinate.
• Urge to urinate is constant.
• You are ill (achy and tired, with a low fever).
• You must urinate frequently, but only small amounts are produced.
• You experience pain or pressure in your lower abdomen.
• Your urine is dark, cloudy, or strongly scented.

Young children who wet the bed during the day when they normally don’t can also be a warning sign. Nighttime bed-wetting is typically unrelated to cystitis.

How is a Cystitis diagnosed and treated?

What you require will vary based on the cause:
Bacteria. Your physician will likely prescribe antibiotics. You should begin to feel better within a day or so, but be sure to take all of the prescribed medication. The duration of treatment depends on your overall health, the frequency of your infections, and the type of bacteria.

If you have passed menopause, your doctor may also recommend an estrogen-containing vaginal cream.The condition known as Interstitial Cystitis. This is more difficult to treat due to the lack of a known cause, but these steps often provide relief:

• Avoid spicy foods and potassium-rich foods.
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Work with your doctor on “bladder training,” which entails altering your urination habits so you have to urinate less frequently.
• Take a medication to relax your bladder and alleviate some symptoms.
• Your doctor may stimulate your nerves with mild electrical pulses. This can reduce your pain and decrease your frequency of urination.

Other Types of Cystitis If your cystitis is triggered by soaps, bubble baths, and similar products, you should avoid using them. If you are receiving chemotherapy or radiation, your physician can prescribe pain medication and advise you on how to drink more fluids to flush out your bladder.

Prevention

There is no foolproof way to prevent cystitis, but some doctors recommend avoiding the following: • Perfumed bubble bath, soaps, and powders. Also, avoid applying deodorants or sprays to your vagina.

• Do not hold back. Urinate when you feel the need.
• Consume a lot of fluids.
• Urinate after having sex.
• Wipe your derriere from front to back after using the restroom.