cystitis The bladder is a pouch-like organ located in the pelvic cavity, which stores urine. Cystitis refers to the inflammatory condition of the bladder caused by bacterial infection and other non-bacterial factors such as medication, stones, foreign bodies, etc. Bacterial cystitis is the most common, characterized by symptoms such as frequent urination, dysuria, and discomfort. Women are more susceptible to cystitis than men.

The bladder is a pouch-like organ located in the pelvic cavity that stores urine. Cystitis refers to inflammatory changes in the bladder caused by bacterial infection and other non-bacterial factors such as medication, stones, and foreign bodies, with bacterial cystitis being the most common. It is characterized by symptoms such as frequent urination, dysuria, and discomfort. Women are more susceptible to cystitis than men.

Cystitis can be classified into acute cystitis and chronic cystitis based on the onset of the condition.

Acute Cystitis

It typically has a sudden onset, manifesting as sudden symptoms of frequent urination, urgency, and dysuria. The course of the disease is short, and with prompt treatment, symptoms can disappear within about a week.

Chronic Cystitis

It has a slow onset, with recurring symptoms of frequent urination, urgency, and dysuria persisting for a long time. Depending on the infective factors, it can be further divided into bacterial cystitis and non-bacterial cystitis.

Bacterial Cystitis

This refers to inflammation of the bladder caused by bacterial infection. Common infecting bacteria include Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis.

Non-Bacterial Cystitis

This refers to bladder inflammation caused by non-bacterial factors such as medication and radiation therapy.

Triggers for women

Sexual activity: Active sexual intercourse can facilitate the entry of bacteria into the urethra, leading to bladder infection.

Use of certain types of contraceptives: For example, the use of a diaphragm coated with spermicide can increase the risk of cystitis as the spermicide alters the vaginal environment, making it more conducive for bacterial growth.

Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can disrupt the defense mechanisms of the vagina and urethra, leading to cystitis.

Common triggers for both men and women

Urinary obstruction: Conditions such as bladder stones or benign prostatic hyperplasia in men can cause urinary obstruction, promoting bacterial growth and triggering cystitis.

Weakened immune system: Conditions such as diabetes, HIV infection, and cancer treatment can increase the risk of bladder infection.

Prolonged use of urinary catheters: Individuals with chronic illnesses or the elderly may require urinary catheterization, which increases the risk of bacterial infection and bladder tissue damage.

Acute Cystitis

It can occur suddenly or develop slowly, presenting with symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, dysuria, burning sensation in the urethra, and in severe cases, symptoms similar to urinary incontinence. Some patients may have dark-colored, turbid urine with a noticeable abnormal odor. General systemic symptoms are not prominent, and body temperature is usually normal or slightly elevated. When complicated by other conditions such as acute pyelonephritis, systemic symptoms such as high fever may occur. With timely treatment, symptoms often disappear within about a week.

Chronic Cystitis

The symptoms of chronic cystitis are similar to acute cystitis, with frequent urination, urgency, dysuria, and burning sensation in the urethra. Its characteristic features include slow onset, mild inflammatory response, recurrent course, and prolonged duration, usually without systemic symptoms.

To alleviate the pain and discomfort of cystitis, the following measures can be taken:

Use of a heating pad: Placing a heating pad on the lower abdomen can alleviate and reduce bladder pressure or pain.

Increased water intake: However, it is important to avoid coffee, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, citrus fruit juices, and spicy foods to prevent bladder irritation and the onset of frequent or urgent urination.

Sitz baths: Sitting in a shallow bath for 5-20 minutes can help relieve pain or discomfort.

For acute cystitis, bed rest is necessary.

Increased water intake and a bland diet are recommended, while avoiding coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods to ensure adequate nutrition intake.

Avoiding triggering factors and maintaining personal hygiene, especially in the urogenital area.

For anti-inflammatory treatment of cystitis, it is important to follow medical advice, receive standardized, adequate, and full-course treatment, and undergo regular urine tests to prevent the recurrence of inflammation or its progression to chronic cystitis. Additionally, unnecessary long-term medication should be avoided to prevent the development of drug-resistant bacteria and minimize side effects.

Currently, there are no definitive methods for preventing cystitis, but the following measures can help reduce the incidence:

Avoid using scented bath gels, soaps, and talcum powders.

Do not use deodorants or sprays in the vagina.

Avoid holding in urine, and urinate promptly when feeling the urge.

Drink plenty of water to help flush out bacteria.

Urinate after sexual intercourse to help flush out potential bacteria.

For women, wiping from front to back after using the toilet can prevent the spread of bacteria from the anal area to the vagina and urethra.

Maintain personal hygiene, especially in the urogenital area.