A Family Doctor's Tale - CYSTITIS

DOC I HAVE BLADDER INFECTION

Cystitis is an acute or chronic infection of the urinary bladder.


Cystitis is usually caused by the following:


1. ascending infection of the urinary bladder from the urethra.

2. in females frequently associated with sexual activity eg. honeymoon cystitis

3.In males with enlargement of the prostate or infection of the prostate

4. In children, the bacteria E.coli of the same type present in the child's bowels

5.More frequently present in Diabetic patients

6.urinary catheterisation

7.cystitis is more common in the female,especially those on contraceptive pills or with intrauterine contraceptive devices.

8. may be associated with congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract such as bladder neck obstruction, urethral reflux, neurogenic (nervous) bladder, and urinary incontinence.



Persons who has Acute Cystitis has the following symptoms:
1.frequency of urination and nocturia (night urination)


2.painful urination

3.suprapubic(above the pelvic bone) discomfort

4.cloudy and unpleasant smelling urine, sometimes blood in the urine

5.fever and chills especially in children


Signs:
Tenderness on palpation in the suprapubic region


Diagnosis can usually be made by :
1.History of frequency of urination, painful urination

2.Urine test shows the presence of pus cells, leucocytes, red blood cells and micro-organisms

3.Urine culture will determine the micro-organism involved and the antibiotic most appropriate for it.

4. cystoscopy may be necessary to exclude tumors of the bladder


Upward infections from the bladder can lead to infections of the kidneys and kidney failure.

Treatment can be by:
Analgesic or antispasmodic medicine
Antibiotics for infections especially after urine bacterial culture
Lots of fluids


Prognosis is usually good with medication.
Recurrence is quite common.