Cystitis is a urinary tract infection that affects the bladder, which usually occurs when bacteria from outside the body enter the urinary tract through the urethra. This type of infection is usually more recurrent in women and can affect both adults and children. On this occasion, Dr. Jorge Stucchi, urologist at the Plaza Lima Sur medical center of Clinica Ricardo Palma, provides us with more information on the subject.

Symptoms

Among the most common symptoms we find:

• Intense and constant need to urinate
• Pain or burning when urinating (dysuria)
• Frequent urination in small amounts (pollakiuria)
• Traits of blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Cloudy, strong-smelling urine
• pelvic discomfort
• Presence of mild fever

Causes

In most cases, cystitis is usually of infectious origin, being caused mainly by the Escherichia coli type of bacteria. However, it may be associated with other non-infectious causes, such as: consumption of medications, radiotherapy, intimate hygiene products, spermicidal gels, prolonged use of a catheter or even sexual contact itself, among others.

Complications

If cystitis is not treated properly, the complications can be multiple; from a highly complicated urinary infection, such as pyelonephritis, to renal abscesses or more advanced infectious stages due to neglecting treatment for a long time. Hematuria (blood in the urine), for example, in addition to being a symptom, rarely associated with conventional bacterial cystitis, is considered a complication that requires further study by the specialty.

Treatment

This will depend on the identified cause of the cystitis, antibiotic treatment is the most frequent to fight the infection that triggers the problem; additionally, prudent fluid intake is advised. On the other hand, there is the suspension or change of the therapeutic scheme, in the case of an irritant among those mentioned in non-infectious causes.

Remember that, before taking any medication, it is important to go through the evaluation of a specialist so that they provide you with the most appropriate treatment according to your case.

Dr. Jorge Stucchi
Urologist at the Plaza Lima Sur medical center of Clinica Ricardo Palma