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Cystitis corresponds to inflammation of the bladder, most often due to infection by bacteria, mainly Escherichia coli, and leads to the appearance of signs and symptoms that can be uncomfortable and are similar in men and women.
It is important that the person is attentive to the symptoms of cystitis for the diagnosis to be made and treatment to begin immediately thereafter to avoid complications. Thus, the symptoms that the person should be aware of and that are indicative of cystitis are:
- Frequent desire to urinate, but little urine volume;
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating;
- Presence of blood in the urine;
- Dark, cloudy and very strong smelling urine;
- Pain in the bottom of the belly or heaviness;
- General malaise or weakness.
In addition, in adults, although fever can develop, it is usually not higher than 38º C, however when there is a high fever or back pain, it can be an indication that the kidneys have been compromised.
In children, cystitis can be very difficult to identify because they are very vague and the child has difficulty explaining what he feels. However, some signs that may indicate this problem include peeing your pants during the day, having a fever above 38º C, feeling very tired or being more irritated, for example.
How the diagnosis is made
The initial diagnosis of cystitis should be made by a urologist or gynecologist, by assessing the symptoms presented. To conclude the diagnosis, the doctor can also request a urine test, also called EAS, to analyze the characteristics of the urine, as well as to identify if there are signs of infection.
Usually, when urine tests are carried out, the presence of numerous pocytes, erythrocytes, positive nitrite and the presence of bacteria is indicative of infection. However, the diagnosis can only be concluded through the urine culture test, in which tests are carried out to identify the microbial species causing the infection and which is the best antimicrobial to be used in the treatment. Understand how urine culture is done with antibiogram.
In addition to urine tests, the doctor can indicate the ultrasound of the bladder to check for signs of inflammation in the bladder, in addition to assessing the family and individual history so that the most appropriate treatment can be indicated. See how the treatment for cystitis is done.
What can cause cystitis
In most cases, cystitis is caused by a bacterial infection in the bladder, most of the time Escherichia coli, which is naturally present in the urinary and digestive systems, but which can reach the bladder and lead to the signs and symptoms of cystitis.
In addition, cystitis can arise as a result of situations that favor the proliferation of microorganisms, such as the use of some medications, menopause, injuries caused during sexual intercourse or as a consequence of the use of bladder catheter and frequent use of intimate soaps, as they cause the pH imbalance of the genital region, favoring the occurrence of infections.
Depending on the cause, the treatment must be adapted and, therefore, whenever symptoms appear it is recommended to consult the doctor to confirm the cause of the problem and start the appropriate treatment. See more about the causes of cystitis.