Bladder Infection (Cystitis)

What is a bladder infection?

A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is a type of urinary tract infection. The inner lining of the bladder becomes inflamed (red and swollen) and the urine is full of bacteria.

How does it occur?

Bacteria usually cause the infection. Rarely a virus may cause it. Normally there should be no bacteria in the urinary tract. A bladder infection occurs when bacteria travel up the urethra and into the bladder.

Women are more likely to have bladder infections than men because their urethra is shorter. The short urethra makes it easier for bacteria from the anus or genital area to reach the bladder. This can happen during such activities as wiping after using the toilet or sexual intercourse. Most infections of the urinary tract are caused this way.

Bladder infections often occur in young women who have just become sexually active.

A place for bacteria to grow in the urine may be created by something pushing on the bladder and blocking the flow of urine. This may not allow the bladder to empty completely. For example, the pressure from a baby during pregnancy can cause this problem.

What are the symptoms?

Possible symptoms of a bladder infection include:

• urinating more often
• feeling an urgent need to urinate
• a burning, stinging, or pressure sensation during urination
• a crampy pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen just above the pubic bone or sometimes in the lower back
• a need to urinate more often in the night
• cloudy urine that smells bad
• blood in the urine
• leaking of urine
• fever and occasionally chills.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider will examine you and may ask for a urine sample. You may also have blood tests. More tests may be done if you have had several infections.

How is it treated?

Bladder infection is a common problem that is usually easily treated. Your health care provider will prescribe an antibiotic to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of infection to your kidneys.

Your health care provider may also prescribe Pyridium, a medicine that helps reduce the pain and spasm of the bladder during the first couple of days. Pyridium will turn your urine orange and may stain your clothing.

In some cases your health care provider may ask you to have a follow-up visit after you have taken all of the antibiotic so another sample of your urine can be tested. This is to make sure the infection is gone.

How long will the effects last?

Prompt treatment of a bladder infection with antibiotics usually relieves the symptoms in 24 to 48 hours.

How can I take care of myself?

• Take all of the antibiotic that your health care provider prescribes, even when you feel better. Do not take medication left over from previous prescriptions.

• If your provider prescribed Pyridium, use it to feel better while you are waiting for the antibiotic to work.

• Drink more fluids, especially water, to help flush the bacteria from your system.

• Follow your health care provider's directions for a follow-up urine test. Your provider may want to test your urine soon after you finish taking the antibiotic.

• Follow your health care provider's recommendation for regular urine testing to check for recurrence.

If you have a fever:

• Rest in bed if your temperature is over 100