WHAT IS CYSTITIS?
Cystitis refers to inflammation in the bladder. The bladder can become inflamed from a urinary tract infection or from other causes such as medications, hygiene products and long-term use of a catheter. The treatment when caused by bacteria is usually a course of antibiotics. It is recommended to see a urological specialist for chronic cystitis to identify the underlying cause of bladder inflammation.
SYMPTOMS OF CYSTITIS
While cystitis can occur in both men and women, it occurs more frequently in women. The condition can be acute, chronic, interstitial and long-term. Interstitial cystitis is also known as painful bladder syndrome. Most cases are caused by a bacterial infection, including the symptoms of urinary tract infections. However, some cases are due to noninfectious factors.
ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS OF CYSTITIS:
NONINFECTIOUS FACTORS OF CYSTITIS:
DIAGNOSING AND TREATING CYSTITIS
If you have frequent urinary tract infections or have symptoms of cystitis, call Blue Ridge Urological at (540) 405-8232. The sooner your doctor can diagnose and treat urinary tract infection or cystitis caused by a UTI, the less risk of it spreading into the urinary system, which could cause a kidney infection.
Your doctor will recommend certain tests to help in diagnosis. A urinalysis checks the urine for blood, infection and/or bacteria. For chronic cystitis, your specialist may recommend a cystoscopy. During this test, a thin, lighted tube with a camera is inserted into the urethra and the bladder to check for signs of disease. If necessary, your doctor will remove a small sample of bladder tissue (a biopsy) to be analyzed at the lab. The biopsy will provide more information as to the root cause of bladder inflammation.
Cystitis that is caused by bacteria, is treated with a course of antibiotics. When recurrently caused by bacterial infection, your doctor may recommend a longer course of antibiotic treatment. It is more challenging to treat interstitial cystitis as the cause of inflammation is unknown. Some therapies can help reduce symptoms such as medications (oral and inserted into the bladder), bladder manipulation procedures and nerve stimulation.
At Blue Ridge Urological, our board certified providers are highly experienced in the diagnosis of and treatment of cystitis. If you have recurrent bladder infections, a urologist can perform specialized tests to help determine the root cause of chronic inflammation. For more information on cystitis, call our office today at (540) 405-8232 or schedule your consultation online.