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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Acute Bacterial Cystitis

Cystitis - Acute Bacterial

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

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Alternate Names : Acute Bladder Infection, Acute Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection


Definition

Cystitis is a bacterial infection of the bladder or lower urinary tract.

Pictures & Images

Female Urinary Tract
Female Urinary Tract

Male Urinary Tract
Male Urinary Tract

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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Cystitis occurs when the normally sterile lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder) is infected by bacteria and becomes irritated and inflamed. It is very common, occurring in more than 6 million Americans a year.

The condition frequently affects sexually active women ages 20 to 50 but may also occur in those who are not sexually active or in young girls. Older adults are also at high risk for developing cystitis, with the incidence in the elderly being much higher than in younger people.

Cystitis is rare in males. Females are more prone to the development of cystitis because of their relatively shorter urethra -- bacteria do not have to travel as far to enter the bladder -- and because of the relatively short distance between the opening of the urethra and the anus.

More than 85% of cases of cystitis are caused by Escherichia coli, a bacterium found in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Sexual intercourse can increase the risk of cystitis because bacteria can be introduced into the bladder through the urethra during sexual activity. Once bacteria enter the bladder, they normally are removed through urination. When bacteria multiply faster than they are removed by urination, infection results.

Risks for cystitis include obstruction of the bladder or urethra with resultant stagnation of urine, insertion of instruments into the urinary tract (such as catheterization or cystoscopy), pregnancy, diabetes, HIV, and a history of analgesic nephropathy or reflux nephropathy.

The elderly of both sexes are at increased risk for developing cystitis due to incomplete emptying of the bladder associated with such conditions as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis and urethral strictures. Also, lack of adequate fluids, bowel incontinence, immobility or decreased mobility and placement in a nursing home, all put people at increased risk for cystitis.



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Definition
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Symptoms & Signs
Prevention
Diagnosis & Tests
Treatment
Prognosis
Complications
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Acute Kidney Failure
Analgesic Nephropathy
Diabetes
Enlarged Prostate
HIV Infection
Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
Reflux Nephropathy
Urethral Stricture
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary Tract Infection - Chronic or Recurrent

Tests & Exams

Cystoscopy
RBC - Urine
Urinalysis
Urine Culture - Catheterized Specimen
Urine Culture - Clean Catch
Urine Odor
WBC Count

Other Topics

Bowel Incontinence
Confusion
Fatigue
Fever
Flank Pain
Incidence
Nausea and Vomiting
Penis Pain
Sexual Intercourse - Painful
Urinary Frequency/Urgency
Urination - Excessive at Night
Urination - Painful
Urine - Abnormal Color
Urine - Bloody
Vitamin C

Review Date : 7/31/2002
Reviewed By : Christopher Parsons, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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