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Cystitis
Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder wall where your body part becomes red, swollen or irritated. It usually occurs due to an urinary tract infection (UTI) in most cases when bacteria enter the urethra or bladder and start to develop.
Signs and symptoms of cystitis:
- Strong and constant urge to urinate.
- Burning sensation at the time of urinating.
- Passing frequent and smaller amounts of urine.
- Blood in your urine.
- Passing strong-smelling or cloudy urine.
- Pelvic discomfort.
- Feeling of some pressure in the lower abdomen.
- Low-grade fever.
Who is at risk for cystitis?
Cystitis is common in women since they have a short urethra. However, both men and women are at a higher risk for this particular condition.
Women might be at a higher risk if they:
- Are now sexually active.
- Use diaphragms together with spermicide.
- Are already pregnant.
- Have experienced menopause.
- Are using irritating personal hygiene products.
Men may be at a higher risk when they have an enlarged prostate that occurs due to the retention of urine in the bladder.
Risk factors that are common for both men and women are:
- Recent urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy.
- Kidney stones.
- HIV.
- Use of a catheter.
- Diabetes.
- Spinal injuries.
- Interference with urine flow.
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When you should see a doctor:
If you find signs and symptoms related to a kidney infection, then it is advised to see your doctor immediately. Other factors include:
- Back or side pain.
- Vomiting and nausea.
- Fever and chills.
If you have painful or frequent urination that may last for many hours or even longer and if there is blood in the urine, then see your doctor without delay. If you have already been diagnosed with an UTI earlier and there are symptoms of an earlier UTI, it’s time to fix an appointment with your doctor.
Also, you should seek advice from your doctor if the symptoms of cystitis return after you finish the complete course of antibiotics. This means that you will require a different type of medication.
Some remedies for cystitis:
- You may take painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease the discomfort.
- Drink water and other fluids that help to get rid of bacteria through the system.
- Try to avoid drinking alcohol for the time being.
- Do not indulge in sexual activities as this will lessen the chance of bacteria entering the urethra.