Acute cystitis (bladder infection), the sudden inflammation of the bladder, is more prevalent among women. The most common cause of acute cystitis is E.coli bacteria. Acute cystitis can also be referred to as a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Acute cystitis causes and risk factors
As mentioned, the most common cause of acute cystitis is the bacterium E.coli. When E. coli enters any part of the urinary tract system – which consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra – it causes inflammation and an infection.
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Other factors that can contribute to acute cystitis include certain medications, radiation treatment of the pelvic area, long-term use of a catheter, sensitivity to certain products like feminine hygiene products, sexual intercourse, and complications resulting from other conditions like diabetes, kidney stones, or an enlarged prostate, and sexual intercourse.
Signs and symptoms of acute cystitis
The signs and symptoms of acute cystitis can be very uncomfortable. These symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate even after you have emptied your bladder, a burning sensation when urinating, strong-smelling urine, cloudy urine, sensation of pressure, bladder fullness, or pain of the lower back or abdomen, a low fever, chills, and the presence of blood in the urine.
Acute cystitis treatment
Acute cystitis is commonly treated with the use of antibiotics. The treatment can vary in length depending on severity of the infection. Although symptoms may clear up in a few days, you should still take the antibiotics for the duration of the prescription.
When cystitis is not caused by bacteria, treatment tackles the underlying cause and may involve changing medications, avoiding certain irritating products, or better managing other conditions.
Acute cystitis prevention
In order to prevent acute cystitis, it’s important that you stay well hydrated to flush out toxins, urinate after intercourse, always wipe front to back after a bowel movement, avoid using scented or fragrant products near the genitals, maintain proper personal hygiene, take showers rather than baths, avoid birth controls like spermicide condoms as these can lead to bacterial growth, and don’t hold in your urine.
Devon Andre has been involved in the health and dietary supplement industry for a number of years. Devon has written extensively for Bel Marra Health. He has a Bachelor of Forensic Science from the University of Windsor, and went on to complete a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. Devon is keenly aware of trends and new developments in the area of health and wellness. He embraces an active lifestyle combining diet, exercise and healthy choices. By working to inform readers of the options available to them, he hopes to improve their health and quality of life.
