CYTISIS

Find Relief for painful bladder symptoms

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:

Frequent urge to urinate even after the bladder has been emptied
Sensation of abdominal or bladder pressure
Cramping in the lower abdomen or back
Pelvic discomfort
Nausea, vomiting

NONINFECTIOUS FACTORS OF CYSTITIS:

Radiation

Exposure to radiation in the pelvic region can cause inflammatory chances in the bladder tissue.

Catheter

The prolonged use of a catheter can make patients more susceptible to the condition. A catheter is essentially a foreign body in the urinary tract which can introduce bacteria or cause inflammation

Medication

Certain medications such as chemotherapy drugs have been known to inflame the bladder.

Interstitial Cystitis

“Painful bladder syndrome” is chronic inflammation in the bladder without a clear cause.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause may also cause inflammation in the bladder.

DIAGNOSING AND TREATING CYSTITIS

If you have frequent urinary tract infections or have symptoms of cystitis, call Blue Ridge Urological at (540) 932-5926. The sooner your doctor can diagnose and treat urinary tract infection or cystitis caused by a UTI, the less risk of it spreading to the kidneys.

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 tissue called a biopsy from the bladder 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) 932-5926 or schedule your consultation online.