Cystitis and Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infection is caused by intestinal bacteria that reach the urinary system.
75% of all cases are caused by Escherichia coli, but infections (Urinary Tract Infection) caused by
Enterococcus, Proteus and Klebsiella are also common, and sometimes it is hard to understand which bacteria are involved.
It is important to understand that urinary tract infections result from the invasion and multiplication of bacteria in urine, causing inflammation in the urinary bladder, and they can even reach the kidneys in more severe cases.
There are different types of urinary tract infection:
Sporadic infection (acute);
Non-severe recurrent infection;
Severe infection that can result in pyelonephritis (kidney infection).
Most infections are caused by bacteria from the anus, so it is extremely important to take our intimate hygiene seriously.
Risk factors
One of the main factors is anatomy.
Women have a shorter urethra, so the distance that bacteria need to cover in order to reach the urinary bladder is also shorter.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the individual and on the affected location within the urinary system (urinary bladder, kidneys, urethra).
Most common symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection:
- Burning when urinating;
- Great urge to urinate;
- Scarce and dripping urine;
- Dark urine;
- Strong-smelling urine;
- Bloody urine;
- Some urinary incontinence in extreme cases;
- Pelvic pain;
- Going to the toilet more frequently;
- Fever, with or without chills;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Pain on the flanks or lumbar region.
Other types of Cystitis
Non-infectious cystitis
Although bacterial infections are the most common cause of cystitis, several non-infectious factors can also induce inflammation of the urinary bladder.
Some examples include:
- Interstitial cystitis.
The cause of this chronic inflammation of the urinary bladder, also called painful bladder syndrome, is not clear. Most cases are diagnosed in women. Most cases are diagnosed in women. This condition may be hard to diagnose and treat.
- Drug-induced cystitis.
Some medication, especially the chemotherapeutic drugs cyclofosfamide and ifosfamide, may cause inflammation of the urinary bladder as the components that result from their degradation are being excreted.
- Radiation-induced cystitis.
Radiation therapy on the pelvic region may cause inflammatory changes on the urinary bladder tissue.
- Foreign body cystitis.
The extended use of a catheter may lead to the development of a bacterial infection, as well as tissue damage that can cause inflammation.
- Chemical cystitis.
Some people may be hypersensitive to chemicals that are present in certain products, such as bubble bath products, feminine hygiene sprays or spermicidal gels, and they may develop an allergic type reaction in the urinary bladder, causing inflammation.
You should seek a doctor immediately if you have signs or symptoms of kidney infection, including:
- Pain in the back or flanks;
- Fever and chills;
- Nausea and vomiting;
If an urgent, frequent or painful urination arises, lasting for several hours or more, or if you notice blood in your urine, you should urgently seek professional help.