Definition

Acute cystitis is inflammation of the bladder. It is usually caused by an infection. There are 2 types are of acute cystitis:

• Uncomplicated—occurs in premenopausal, nonpregnant women, and in those with no other underlying conditions
• Complicated—occurs with underlying conditions

Causes

Acute cystitis is most often caused by bacteria. Bacteria enter the urethra and travel into the bladder. The urethra is a tube that allows urine to pass from the bladder to the outside. Bacteria may come from the lower intestines, the rectal area, or skin. Occasionally acute cystitis can be the result of medications or trauma.

Risk Factors

Acute cystitis is more common in women. Other factors that may increase your risk of uncomplicated cystitis include:

• History of acute cystitis
• Sexual activity
• Barrier methods of birth control—use of diaphragm or condoms coated with spermicide

Factors that increase your risk of complicated cystitis include:

• Having a urinary catheter
• History of childhood urinary tract infection
• Compromised immune system
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes, type 1 or type 2
• Abnormalities of urinary system, such as kidney stones or kidney transplant
• Enlarged prostate
• Catheter use
• Birth control devices—use of diaphragm or with spermicide

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Frequent and urgent need to urinate
• Passing only small amounts of urine
• Pain in your abdomen, pelvic area, or lower back
• Burning sensation during urination
• Leaking urine
• Increased need to get up at night to urinate
• Cloudy, bad-smelling urine
• Blood in your urine
• Low-grade fever
• Fatigue

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Urine will be tested and cultured for the presence of bacteria.

If complicated cystitis is suspected, additional tests may be necessary. These may include imaging studies to examine the bladder.

Treatment

Acute cystitis is treated with antibiotics. It is important to take all antibiotics as recommended. Finish all your antibiotics even if you are feeling better.

Your doctor may also prescribe medication to reduce pain and bladder spasms.

Prevention

Here are some steps you can take to keep bacteria out of your urinary tract:

• Drink plenty of liquids.
• Include cranberry juice in your diet. Some studies support the use of cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections.
• Urinate when you have the urge. Do not resist it.
• Empty your bladder before and after sexual intercourse.
• Wash genitals daily.
• If you’re a woman, always wipe from the front to the back after having a bowel movement.
• Avoid using douches and feminine hygiene sprays.

Urology Care Foundation http://www.urologyhealth.org

The Kidney Foundation of Canada http://www.kidney.ca/

Colgan R, Williams M. Diagnosis and treatment of acute uncomplicated cystitis. Am Fam Physician. 2011;84(77):771-776.

Cranberry. EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/biomedical-libraries/natural-alternative-treatments
Updated September 17, 2013. Accessed April 12, 2013.

Katchman EA, Milo G, et al. Three-day vs longer duration of antibiotic treatment for cystitis in women: systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2005;118(11):1196-1207.

Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated February 28, 2013. Accessed April 12, 2013.

What I need to know about urinary tract infections. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at:
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/uti_ez
Updated June 29, 2012. Accessed April 12, 2013.

5/6/2011 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Barbosa-Cesnik C, Brown MB, et al. Cranberry juice fails to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection: Results from a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Clin Infect Dis. 2011;52(1):23-30.