Cystitis

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of bladder inflammation often involves discussing the signs and symptoms and assessing one’s medical history. The healthcare provider may request several tests to confirm the diagnosis or develop a treatment plan.

The tests may include:

• Urinalysis: This test examines the appearance, concentration, and content of urine, which includes checking the urine for symptoms of infection such as bacteria, blood, or pus. A urine sample is often collected in a sterile cup. If bacteria are discovered, a urine culture may be performed.
• Urine culture: This test determines the type of bacteria that is causing the infection as well as the antibiotics to which the bacteria is sensitive.
• Imaging test: Usually, an imaging test is not required for cystitis. However, in certain instances, imaging can be beneficial. For example, your healthcare provider may use an X-ray or ultrasound to identify other possible causes of bladder inflammation, such as tumors or anatomical issues.

Treatment

Antibiotics are typically used to treat cystitis caused by bacterial infection. The healthcare provider will prescribe an antibiotic based on the type of bacteria discovered during the urine testing. Other types of cystitis are often treated depending on the cause.

• Treating bacterial cystitis: To effectively treat the condition, antibiotics must be taken as prescribed. The specific medication to be used and how long they are taken for are determined by the overall health and the germs discovered in the urine. Antibiotics that are widely used include nitrofurantoin, sulfonamides, amoxicillin, quinolone, among others.
  • First-time infection:  Antibiotics are often taken for three to seven days. It is recommended to take the pills as directed by the healthcare provider and avoid stopping the medication early, even if there is an improvement in the condition. This ensures complete eradication of the infection. Symptoms frequently improve dramatically within the first few days of taking antibiotics.
  • Repeat infection: In some cases, taking a single dose of antibiotics after sexual activity may be suggested as a preventive measure for recurring infections. In most cases, a longer course of antibiotics is prescribed for recurrent UTIs. A specialist to investigate any potential urologic problems that could be causing the infections may be necessary.
  • Hospital-acquired infection: This type of infection requires the use of alternative antibiotics and treatment approaches to address the situation effectively. Treating hospital-acquired bladder infections can be difficult due to the resistance of hospital bacteria to common antibiotics used for community-acquired infections.
• Treating interstitial cystitis: Interstitial cystitis is a condition where the cause of inflammation is unclear. To help with the symptoms, you might take pills, have medication put directly into your bladder, or try nerve stimulation with mild electrical pulses to reduce pelvic pain and frequent urination. Surgery is a last-resort option and may not always work to relieve pain and other symptoms. It’s essential to try other treatments first before considering surgery.
• Treating other forms of noninfectious cystitis: For individuals sensitive to chemicals in products like bubble bath or spermicide, avoiding these items can help alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrent cystitis episodes. Adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluids is also essential to flush out potential bladder irritants. In instances where cystitis develops as a complication of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the main approach to treatment is managing pain through medication.