Cystitis

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors Screening and diagnosis

Complications Treatment Prevention Self-care

Introduction

Cystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder. Most of the time, the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection, in which case it may be referred to as a urinary tract infection (UTI). A bladder infection can be painful and annoying, and can become a serious health problem if the infection spreads to your kidneys.

Less commonly, cystitis may occur as a reaction to certain drugs, radiation therapy or potential irritants, such as feminine hygiene spray, spermicidal jellies or long-term use of a catheter. Cystitis may also occur as a complication of another illness.

The usual treatment for bacterial cystitis is antibiotics. Other treatments are used for other types of cystitis.

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Signs and symptoms