Cystitis is a problem in which pain, pressure, or burning in the bladder is present. Most often, this problem is caused by germs such as bacteria. Cystitis may also be present when there is no infection.
A urinalysis may reveal red blood cells (RBCs) and some white blood cells (WBCs). Urine may be examined under a microscope to look for cancerous cells.
A cystoscopy (use of lighted instrument to look inside the bladder) may be done if you have:
Symptoms related to radiation therapy or chemotherapy
Symptoms that do not get better with treatment
Blood in the urine
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to manage your symptoms.
This may include:
Medicines to help your bladder relax. They can reduce the strong urge to urinate or need to urinate frequently. These are called anticholinergic drugs. Possible side effects include increased heart rate, low blood pressure, dry mouth, and constipation. Another class of drug is known as a beta 3 receptor blocker. Possible side effect can be an increase in blood pressure but this does not occur often.
A medicine called phenazopyridine (pyridium) to help relieve pain and burning with urination.
Medicines to help reduce pain.
Surgery is rarely done. It may be performed if a person has symptoms that do not go away with other treatments, trouble passing urine, or blood in the urine.
Other things that may help include:
Avoiding foods and fluids that irritate the bladder. These include spicy and acidic foods as well as alcohol, citrus juices, and caffeine, and foods that contain them.
Performing bladder training exercises to help you schedule times to try to urinate and to delay urination at all other times. One method is to force yourself to delay urinating despite the urge to urinate in between these times. As you become better at waiting this long, slowly increase the time intervals by 15 minutes. Try to reach a goal of urinating every 3 to 4 hours.
Avoid pelvic muscle strengthening exercises called Kegel exercises.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Most cases of cystitis are uncomfortable, but the symptoms most often get better over time. Symptoms can improve if you are able to identify and avoid food triggers.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
Ulceration of bladder wall
Painful sex
Sleep loss
Depression
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if:
You have symptoms of cystitis
You have been diagnosed with cystitis and your symptoms get worse, or you have new symptoms, especially fever, blood in the urine, back or flank pain, and vomiting
Prevention
Avoid products that may irritate the bladder such as:
Bubble baths
Feminine hygiene sprays
Tampons (especially scented products)
Spermicidal jellies
If you need to use such products, try to find those that do not cause irritation for you.
Review Date:
1/1/2022
Reviewed By:
Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.