Under the microscope: Cystitis

Under the microscope: Prevention, symptoms and causes of cystitis

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Each week we look more closely at the most common health conditions.

This week, we're focusing on cystitis.

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder that has been caused by infection, irritation or some kind of injury to the bladder.

How do you get cystitis?

Many people think it's a sexually transmitted disease but this is not the case - although sex can make it worse.
Cystitis can be caused by bacteria already living in the bladder and the urinary tract. It can also occur if you're run down, if you have a reaction to some medication or if you've been in hospital and have had a catheter fitted. Sometimes people with a pre-existing conditions such as lupus, HIV or diabetes get cystitis regularly.

Who can get cystitis?

Women, men and even children can get cystitis, although it is more common in sexually active women, pregnant women and after the menopause.

What are the symptoms?

People often describe the most common symptom as a burning sensation when you wee. You may also experience some or all of these symptoms:

Constantly feeling that you need to go to the loo
Going to the toilet a lot but only passing a drop of urine
Blood in the urine
Cloudy or strong smelling urine
Aches or pains in the lower abdomen
A feeling of pressure in the bladder
A slight fever

How do I know if my child has cystitis?

They may complain of pain when they go to the loo or you may notice that they are going to the loo a lot or wetting themselves. In very young children they may also wet the bed more than usual.
There is no need to keep your kids off school but you must take them to the doctor to confirm and treat the infection.

When should I see a doctor?

If it's the first time you've had cystitis it's best to see your GP. If you have it more than three times in one year then it's also a good idea to speak to your GP. Your doctor will probably ask for a sample of urine and prescribe antibiotics if the sample confirms that you have cystitis. If the infection keeps coming back you may be sent for tests where a specialist will look at your bladder and your urinary tract.

Cystitis in men is a bit different than in women, so if your man thinks he has cystitis or some other type of infection, he must see his GP as it could be an underlying bladder infection or prostate infection.

Can I treat it myself?

If you've had cystitis before and less than three times in a year then you can treat it yourself. You can buy medication for cystitis over the counter at chemists.

What else can I do?

Drink plenty of water to flush the infection through your system - it may mean you go to the toilet more than normal, which is uncomfortable if you have cystitis but the infection will clear up much quicker this way.
Cranberry juice is believed to help cystitis, although don't drink it if you are taking warfarin (or other blood-thinning medication) as cranberry juice can interfere with the effectiveness of the drug.
Try to avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
If you feel the need to pee, go. Don't try to stop yourself.
Be careful with soaps, bubble baths and spermicides as they can make the infection worse.
When you go to the loo make sure you wipe from front to back so as not to spread any infection.
Take showers instead of baths.
Avoid using feminine hygiene products such as scented wipes as this can irritate the area and spread infection.
You might find a hot water bottle can ease pain in the abdomen.

What if I get cystitis when I'm pregnant?

Don't worry, it's quite common and the treatment is the same; a course of antibiotics. Although if the doctor you see doesn't know that you are pregnant you must tell them.

Read last week's Under the microscope: Threadworms