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Conditions

Urology · Urinary health

Cystitis

Understand an adult bladder infection, its assessment and situations that need prompt medical advice.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

This page covers infective cystitis in adults: an infection in the bladder, usually caused by bacteria. Non-infectious forms, including interstitial cystitis, need a different assessment.

Possible symptoms

Burning when urinating, frequent or urgent urges and lower abdominal discomfort may occur. Urine may contain blood. An unusual smell alone is not enough to identify an infection.

Causes and associated factors

Bacteria, often from the digestive tract, travel through the urethra to the bladder. Anatomy, sexual activity with spermicide use, menopause or incomplete bladder emptying can make episodes more likely.

Diagnosis

A professional assesses symptoms, medical history and your health. An examination and, depending on the situation, a urine test guide diagnosis. Persistent symptoms need reassessment of their cause.

Tests

A urine dipstick may be used. When indicated, urine culture looks for bacteria and helps guide antibiotic choice. It is not routine for every uncomplicated episode. Imaging is reserved for selected situations, such as a suspected urinary tract abnormality.

Course of the condition

Most appropriately managed infections do not cause complications, but episodes can recur. An infection can reach the kidneys. Contact a professional again if symptoms worsen or do not start improving after 48 hours of treatment.

Care options

Treatment may include an antibiotic chosen for your situation and available results. Follow the prescription and report side effects. Appropriate hydration and pain relief can be discussed; follow any fluid restriction related to your health. If infections recur, an individual prevention plan may be offered.

When to consult

Seek advice when symptoms develop. Same-day medical advice is particularly important during pregnancy, for men, or with kidney disease, a weakened immune system or urinary tract problems. Also report blood in the urine.

Urgent help

Fever, chills, back or side pain, or vomiting may signal a kidney infection: seek urgent same-day medical advice. Confusion, unusual drowsiness or difficulty speaking need immediate medical help.

Questions for your doctor

  • Do the symptoms suggest a bladder infection or another cause?
  • Do I need a urine test or culture?
  • Which treatment suits my situation and other medicines?
  • When should I seek reassessment if symptoms persist?
  • How can we investigate the causes and prevent repeat infections?

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A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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