Cystitis is a common lower urinary tract infection. It is an inflammation of the bladder wall that is caused by a bacterial infection.

Cystitis is usually not a serious condition, but it can lead to complications if left untreated. Mild cystitis usually go away within a few days. Consult your doctor is symptoms persists for more than 4 days.

The urethra and bladder are normally sterile. However, when they get infected, cystitis develops. Bacteria attaches itself to the lining of the bladder, causing irritation and inflammation to the area.

Cystitis mostly affects females than males because women have shorter urethras. Most bacteria form part of the healthy intestinal flora, but once they enter the sterile space in the urethra and bladder, they can cause a urinary tract infection, UTI.

Symptoms of Cystitis
The signs and symptoms of cystitis includes:dark, cloudy, or strong-smelling urine
burning sensation when urinating
traces of blood in the urine
pain just above the pubic bone, in the lower back, or in the abdomen
urinating frequently
Seniors may feel weak and feverish but have none of the other symptoms mentioned above. They may also present with altered mental status. There is a frequent need to urinate, but only small amounts of urine are passed each time.

For children with cystitis may have any of the symptoms listed above, including vomiting and general weakness.

Some other illnesses with symptoms similar to cystitis include:

bladder pain syndrome
gonorrhea
urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra
prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate gland
chlamydia
lower urinary tract syndrome
candida, or thrush
benign prostatic hyperplasia, in men
Causes of Cystitis

Most causes of cystitis are infectious, and the majority of these cases come from an ascending infection. The bacteria enter from the external genitourinary structures.

Risk factors include:

Tampon use: There is a risk of bacteria entering through the urethra when inserting tampon.
Inserting, changing, or prolonged use of urinary catheter: There is a chance the catheter will carry bacteria along the urinary tract.
Diaphragm for birth control: Using diaphragm with spermicides increases a woman’s risk of developing cystitis, compared with women who do not use one.
Full bladder: If the bladder is not emptied completely, it creates an environment for bacteria to multiply. This is common among pregnant women or men with enlarged prostrates.
Sexual activity: Sexually active women have a higher risk of bacteria entering through the urethra.
Blockage in part of the urinary system that thwarts the flow of urine.
Other bladder or kidney problems.
Frequent sex: Engaging in frequent or rigorous sex increases the chances of physical damage, which in turn increases the likelihood of cystitis.
Declining estrogen levels: The levels of estrogen usually drop during menopause as the lining of a woman’s urethra gets thinner. The thinner the lining becomes, the higher the chances are of infection and damage. The risk increases during menopause.
Gender: The urethral opening of a woman is closer to the anus than that of a man. The chances of bacteria from the intestines gaining access to the urethra is higher in women.
Mucus reduction: Menopausal women produce less mucus in the vaginal area. This mucus acts as a protective layer against bacteria.
Radiotherapy: Late radiation cystitis can cause damage to the bladder. Menopausal women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), have a lower risks of developing cystitis compared to those not on HRT.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask the patient some questions, carry out an examination, and do a urine test to diagnose cystitis. A urine culture or catheterized urine specimen may be performed to check the type of bacteria in the urine. After finding out which specific bacterium is causing the infection, the doctor will prescribe an oral antibiotic.

Most doctors will also offer to test for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STIs often have similar symptoms to cystitis. Patients who get cystitis regularly may need further tests. This may include an X-ray, an ultrasound scan, or a cystoscopy of the bladder.

Remedies

The following home remedies and measures may help:

Abstaining from sex reduces the chance of bacteria entering the urethra.
Painkillers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen, may relieve discomfort.
Drink lots of water to help flush the bacteria through the system.
Alcohol should be avoided.
Cranberries also helps prevents bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall, though they may not contain enough active ingredient to prevent symptoms.

Treatment

Most cases of mild cystitis will resolve itself within a few days. However, a doctor should be contacted if cystitis that lasts more than 4 days.

A 3 day or 7-10 day course of antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor, depending on the patient. This should start to ease symptoms within a day. If symptoms do not improve after taking the antibiotics, the patient should return to the doctor.

Antibiotics commonly used for bacterial cystitis are nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin, cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin.

Prevention

Cystitis is often not preventable, but the following measures may help:

practice good hygiene after sex
use neutral, unperfumed soaps around the genitals.
wipe from front to back
empty the bladder completely when urinating
avoid postponing urination
avoid tight underwear and tight pants
wear cotton underwear.
use a lubricant during sex.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/cystitis-symptoms-causes-treatment-and-prevention/