Cystitis, more commonly called a bladder infection, is an infection of the lower urinary tract. These infections are much more common in females due to anatomical differences.

Causes:

• Bacterial or viral organisms
• Excessive intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea or soda.
• Sometimes can be related to sexual activity
• Sometimes common during pregnancy.
• Excessive use of deodorant or scented femine products, including bubble bath
• Unknown causes

Symptoms can be any combination of:

• Frequent urge to urinate, possibly with little output.
• Feeling of urgency, (have to go right now!)
• Painful urination
• Bloody or dark colored urine, possibly with strong odor.
• Suprapubic pain or pressure (at the midline, just above pubic bone)

Treatment:

• Home care or early treatment:
  • Increase fluid intake with the first sign of discomfort.
    • This alone can sometimes literally wash offending organism out of the bladder.
    • Drink fruit juices, especially cranberry juice to increase acidity of urine (decrease pH).
  • If no relief in 12-24 hours of lots of fluids (>a gallon), seek medical attention. See your health care provider earlier if pain is severe.
• Medical Treatment: You will be required to give a urine specimen for the nurse to test and possibly culture. If signs of bacterial infection are found, you will be treated with an antibiotic for a specified period of time.
• Pain medication specifically for the smooth muscle of the bladder is available. It will change the color of the urine to dark orange, and probably stain your clothes, so use a pantyliner while taking this medicine. Use it only as needed until antibiotic brings relief.
• Return to the doctor if the symptoms are not relieved within a few days.

Prevention measures for Cystitis:

• Drink 8 (eight)8oz glasses of water per day.
• Avoid caffeine and carbonated beverages (chocolate, coffee, tea, soda).
• Keep your bladder empty. Never allow yourself to become very full. (Go to the bathroom frequently.)
• Wear all cotton underwear (not just a cotton crotch).
• Go to the bathroon before and after any sexual relation or genital contact.
• Wash well after sexual contact.
• Wash area with water and mild soap.
• Wipe from front to back.

Untreated, a bladder infection can turn into a kidney infection. UTI's (urinary tract infections) do not typically include symptoms such as teeth-chattering chills, fever, vomiting, or back (flank) pain. If these symptoms develop, especially in someone with a past history of stones or kidney problems, seek a doctors care immediately. Kidney infections require a vigorous treatment and follow-up.