Cystitis is a common condition that causes inflammation in the bladder. In many cases, cystitis results from a bacterial infection. However, it can also occur spontaneously or accompany cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Cystitis is often linked to the following symptoms:
Some people may also experience a minor fever. While cystitis is easily treated, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience pain in the back or sides, nausea, vomiting, and fever with chills.
When it comes to infectious cystitis, women are often the most vulnerable due to anatomical differences. Many women develop infections after sex, which can introduce bacteria to the bladder via the urethra. Pregnancy, menopause, and birth control like diaphragms and spermicide also increase one’s risk.
When cystitis results from bacteria, doctors can prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Antibiotics regimens can range from three days to one week, although people experiencing repeated infections may need to take medication for an extended period.
As for interstitial cystitis, which does not usually have a clear underlying cause, doctors may prescribe oral medications to ease symptoms. In some cases, medications must be administered directly to the bladder to provide relief. When cystitis is related to cancer treatments like radiation therapy, patients will receive pain medications to lessen discomfort.