Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder that causes pain when urinating. Cystitis is most often caused by infection bacteria which also causes urinary tract infection (UTI).
Cystitis can happen to anyone, but it is more common in women because the female urethra is shorter and closer to the anus, so it is easy to get contaminated with bacteria from the anus, especially if you are used to cleaning the genital area or washing from back to front.
Causes of Cystitis
Cystitis is a term that describes inflammation of the bladder. This condition can be caused by infection or non-infection.
Cystitis caused by infection or also known as bladder infection is most often caused by: E. coli. These bacteria are actually normal and harmless in the intestines, but when they enter the bladder, they can cause inflammation.
Noninfectious cystitis is generally caused by damage or irritation of the bladder. It can be triggered by irritating chemicals, long-term use of a urinary catheter, sexual activity, and the side effects of radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
In addition, one type of non-infectious cystitis whose exact cause is not known is: interstitial cystitis. Bladder inflammation can cause bladder pain in the long term.
Cystitis risk factors
Bladder inflammation is most common in women who are sexually active, use diaphragmatic contraceptives or spermicides, are pregnant, or have gone through menopause.
In addition, the following factors can also increase the risk of developing cystitis:
- The habit of cleaning the intimate area in a direction from the anus to the genitals (from back to front)
- Suffering from diseases that block the flow of urine, such as bladder stones, urinary tract infections, or enlarged prostate
- Suffering from diabetes
- Using soap that can irritate intimate organs, such as perfumed soap
- Using a urinary catheter in the long term
- Have a weak immune system due to HIV infection
- Undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy in the pelvic area
Symptoms of Cystitis
Symptoms of cystitis can vary and vary from person to person. However, in general, bladder inflammation in adults will cause symptoms such as:
- The frequency of urination increases, but the amount of urine excreted is small
- Pain or burning (like burning) when urinating
- Cramps in the lower abdomen
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Urine that is cloudy or smells bad
- Bloody urine
- Weak
- Fever
Meanwhile, cystitis in children can be characterized by the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Frequent bedwetting or urination
- Stomach ache
- Body feels weak
- More fussy than usual
- Decreased appetite
- Throw up
When to go to the doctor
Immediately see a doctor if you or your child experience the symptoms of cystitis mentioned above. Especially when the complaints do not improve in 3 days
You also need to see a doctor if you have recurrent cystitis. If you have been diagnosed with cystitis, follow the treatment given by the doctor and do regular checkups according to the schedule given.
Cystitis Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about the complaints experienced along with the patient's medical history. Then the doctor will perform a physical examination, including the abdomen, back, and waist.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will perform a number of supporting examinations as follows:
- Urine test, to check for blood, white blood cells, bacteria, or nitrites in the urine, which could indicate an infection
- Urine culture, to detect the type of bacteria or microorganism that causes cystitis
- Cystoscopy, to determine the condition of the bladder and detect the presence or absence of bladder inflammation
- Ultrasound, to look at the structure of the bladder and rule out other causes, such as tumors in the bladder
Cystitis Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity and cause of the cystitis. Mild cystitis usually resolves without treatment and only needs to be managed independently. Here's the explanation:
Self handling
There are several types of self-medication that can be done to reduce the symptoms of cystitis, including:
- Don't hold your pee.
- Drink plenty of water to help clear bacteria or other microorganisms from the bladder.
- Compress the stomach with a bottle of warm water to relieve abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Do not use soap that can irritate intimate organs.
- Do not have sex until completely healed.
Drugs
Medications are given to treat infections, prevent complications, and relieve complaints. Cystitis caused by a bacterial infection will be treated with antibiotics. The doctor will determine the type and dose of antibiotics according to the type of bacteria and the severity of cystitis experienced by the patient.
Follow the instructions for use, duration of use, and the dose of antibiotics given by the doctor. Do not stop taking antibiotics carelessly, even though the symptoms of cystitis have subsided.
To reduce the pain and discomfort felt by the patient, the doctor will also give medication, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Cystitis Complications
Bladder inflammation rarely causes complications if treated quickly and appropriately. However, left untreated or untreated cystitis can lead to the following complications:
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Cystitis Prevention
Cystitis can be prevented by doing the following:
- Don't hold your pee.
- Do not clean the intimate organs with scented soap.
- Do not use powder on intimate organs.
- Use contraception as needed, if you have had cystitis as much as possible limit the use of diaphragms and spermicides.
- Get in the habit of urinating after sex.
- Get in the habit of cleaning the genital area from front to back.
- Wear cotton underwear, don't wear tight ones, and change them every day.
- Drink enough water, at least 8 glasses per day.