Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, usually caused by bacteria, which frequently affects women in particular. The infection can take an acute or chronic, uncomplicated or complicated course. Typical symptoms of cystitis are burning pain when urinating, cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen and a constant urge to urinate.
Here you will find further information as well as selected specialists and centers for cystitis.
Cystitis is an infection of the bladder.
This inflammation is usually caused by bacteria, rarely also by viruses or fungi. Depending on the cause, a distinction is made between bacterial and abacterial cystitis. The pathogens usually enter the bladder from the outside via the urethra. There they cause inflammation of the mucous membrane or the entire bladder wall.
Cystitis can either occur acutely or become chronic and then recur repeatedly.
A distinction can also be made between uncomplicated and complicated cystitis, depending on the course of the infection: If the infection remains confined to the bladder, it is referred to as uncomplicated cystitis. If the infection spreads to the upper urinary tract, it is called complicated cystitis.
Cystitis is one of the most common infectious diseases.
It mainly affects women. It is estimated that 50 to 70 percent of all adult women are affected by cystitis at least once in their lives. In around a third of women affected, the bladder infection occurs repeatedly.
Children in the first six years of life can also be affected more frequently. Around seven percent of girls and two percent of boys under the age of six develop cystitis at least once.
Men, on the other hand, are rarely affected by cystitis. They have a longer urethra than women, which means that the pathogens cannot penetrate the bladder as easily.
It is only from the age of 50 that bladder infections also occur more frequently in men, due to the increasing incidence of prostate disease.
Women have a shorter urethra than men, which is why they develop bladder infections more frequently © Alila Medical Media | AdobeStock
Various pathogens can cause cystitis:
In most cases, cystitis is caused by a bacterial infection. The most common pathogen causing bacterial cystitis is the intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli. It is responsible for a bladder infection caused by bacteria in around 80 percent of cases.
In contrast to men, women contract cystitis particularly frequently because they have a shorter urethra. The urethra is only around 4 cm long in women, compared to 20 cm in men. Another anatomical disadvantage in women is that the urethra and the intestinal opening are very close together. Pathogens originating from the intestine can therefore enter the urethra more quickly and easily.
The causative bacteria are usually transmitted through a so-called smear infection. The bacteria enter the urethra from the anus or stool or during sexual intercourse.
Cystitis is also favored by
Women during the menopause or pregnancy are also more susceptible to bladder infections due to changes in hormone levels.
Bladder inflammation is usually a form of lower urinary tract infection. The symptoms are limited to the lower part of the urinary tract.
Typical symptoms that occur with such uncomplicated cystitis are
Occasionally, bladder inflammation can also lead to uncontrolled leakage of urine. Cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen during urination can also occur. The urine may also be cloudy, smell different or even contain blood.
If there is also fever and pain in the kidney area, this indicates that the bladder infection has spread to the upper urinary tract. One possible consequence of such a complicated bladder infection is inflammation of the renal pelvis.
Diagnosis is primarily based on the typical symptoms. The doctor asks the patient about the symptoms during a medical history interview.
The doctor will then carry out a physical examination and may also take a temperature. A detailed examination of the upper and lower urinary tract using ultrasound is necessary, especially in women who suffer from cystitis more frequently. The urinary tract includes
In this way, anatomical changes or other causes of cystitis can be identified and treated.
A urine test is also necessary to confirm the diagnosis of cystitis. For this, the patient must collect the so-called midstream urine in a cup so that it can then be examined for bacteria.
This examination can be carried out either by a doctor or as part of a self-test using a test strip. If the urine collected is bloody, purulent or smells bad, this already indicates cystitis.
The treatment of cystitis by a doctor is primarily aimed at alleviating the symptoms and combating the cause.
Painkillers containing the active ingredients paracetamol or iboprofen can be used to relieve pain when urinating. The doctor may also prescribe medication to relax the bladder muscles.
If the bladder infection was caused by bacteria, antibiotics are usually used. In the case of uncomplicated cystitis limited to the bladder, you usually have to take the tablets for three days. In the case of a complicated bladder infection, the duration of intake may be longer.
Take the antibiotic exactly as prescribed by your doctor and do not stop taking it prematurely. This will prevent pathogens from surviving and developing resistance to the antibiotic.
Herbal substances are also used as a supplement to antibiotic therapy,
are also possible. These include, for example
Special bladder and kidney teas containing these herbal substances are available in almost every pharmacy.
Affected women can also help to alleviate the symptoms themselves with the help of simple measures. It is particularly important to drink at least two to three liters per day during an acute bladder infection. You should also empty your bladder frequently. In this way, the pathogens can be flushed out of the inflamed bladder quickly.
Special kidney and bladder teas, which have a diuretic effect, are particularly suitable for this. It is also advisable to keep warm during a bladder infection, for example with
Such heat applications relax the muscles of the bladder and relieve the pain.
Bladder infections can be prevented by observing a few rules and behaviors:
Excessive intimate hygiene with too much soap is also harmful. Soap attacks the skin's natural protective acid mantle. This makes it easier for bacteria to penetrate and multiply.
A visit to the doctor is necessary if
do not alleviate the bladder inflammation. It is also advisable to see a doctor if
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