Definition
A bladder infection (cystitis) is basically the inflammation of the bladder due to infection with an organism. These are usually bacteria.
In women
Women are more likely to end up with the condition, especially during reproductive years. The main reason for this is than women have a shorter urethra, and therefore organisms have a lesser distance to travel to get to the bladder. It is also due to the proximity of the urethra to the anus, where bacteria are usually found. Other things that can increase the risk of getting an infection include pregnancy, sexual intercourse, as well as the use of a diaphragm. Once a woman has had cystitis the chances are that she will have it recurrently.
In men
Bladder infections are not as common in men. This is because men have a longer urethra. If a man were to have an infection chances are it was due to a bacterial infection of the prostate gland that then spread to the urethra. These infections are often persistent because of the fact that antibiotics have trouble reaching the prostate. Another reason men can get these infections is as a result of an enlarged prostate. The will compress the urethra, obstructing the path of urine out of the urethra. This prevents bacteria from regularly being flushed out of the body.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a bladder infection are burning or pain on urination as well as the need to urinate more than usual. There may also be lower abdominal pain as well as back pain. Although an infective process is happening, patients rarely report a fever.
Diagnosis
If the doctor suspects that you may have a bladder infection based on your history, there are a few tests that can be done. In order to do this you will have to provide the doctor wit ha mid-stream urine sample. The easiest and fastest test to test for infection is to do a dipstick test. This is basically a small strip that can detect nitrites and leucocytes, amongst other things. The nitrites are released by the bacteria, while the leucocytes or white blood cells are an indication that the body is fighting off an infection.
The doctor can also look at your urine under a microscope. This way bacteria and white blood cells can be visualised. This specimen may also be sent off to be cultured so that bacteria can grow. The reason for identifying the type of organism is so that it can be treated with the appropriate medications.
Treatment
Treatment of a bladder infection (cystitis) will depend on the cause. If it is a straightforward bacterial infection with no complications then antibiotic can be given. The course will generally be for three days, but for the more stubborn types of bacteria the course may be extended to a week. With antibiotics and drinking lots of water the infection and symptoms will resolve. If the infection was precipitated by a physical obstruction, for example, this may require surgery.
