Acute cystitis is a condition in which inflammation develops in the bladder, the organ responsible for storing urine, leading to a variety of urinary symptoms. The condition usually occurs when bacteria multiply abnormally inside the bladder. It is relatively common, with approximately 30 percent of women experiencing it at least once in their lifetime. Common symptoms include frequent urination, urinary urgency, and a persistent feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. In addition, patients may experience a burning or stinging sensation during urination. Pain may also occur in the pubic area, lower abdomen, or pelvis, and blood may sometimes be present in the urine.
The primary cause of cystitis is ascending infection, which is why it occurs more frequently in women. About 80 percent of cases are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), although other bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Enterococcus can also be responsible. If not treated appropriately, acute cystitis may progress to chronic cystitis with recurrent symptoms, making early diagnosis and proper treatment important.
Urine testing plays an important role in diagnosing acute cystitis. This test helps evaluate the concentration of white blood cells and determine whether inflammation is present in the urine. It is also important to check for the presence of blood in the urine. However, performing a urine culture is particularly important. If antibiotics are prescribed based only on a simple urine test without identifying the causative bacteria, treatment may be less effective because the specific pathogen has not been clearly identified. Therefore, when acute cystitis is suspected, a urine culture should be performed to accurately determine the type of bacteria involved.
Acute cystitis can present symptoms similar to those of overactive bladder, which is why accurate diagnosis is necessary. Urinary stones can also cause symptoms similar to cystitis, making differential diagnosis important. If the diagnosis is unclear based on symptoms and urine tests alone, imaging tests such as X-rays and bladder or kidney ultrasound may help identify the underlying cause. If blood in the urine continues to appear in follow-up urine tests even after cystitis treatment, further examinations such as cystoscopy or abdominal CT scans may be recommended to rule out other causes.
The most important treatment for cystitis is antibiotic therapy, which is typically effective after three to five days of treatment. As mentioned earlier, it is essential to use antibiotics that target the specific bacteria responsible for the infection, which is why urine culture testing is important. In some cases, certain bacteria may show resistance to oral antibiotics, and injectable antibiotic therapy may need to be considered.
Prevention is also very important in the management of cystitis. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and strengthening the immune system can help reduce the risk of infection. Drinking sufficient fluids increases urine output and helps prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder. For women who frequently develop cystitis after sexual intercourse, preventive antibiotic use may be helpful. It is recommended to wipe from front to back after bowel movements, and excessive vaginal cleansing should be avoided because it may disrupt the normal vaginal microbiota and increase the risk of infection.
Dr. Choi Hocheol of the Dongtan branch of Goldman Urology Clinic explained that although acute cystitis is a common condition, it should not be taken lightly. If it is not properly diagnosed and treated in the early stages, it can progress to chronic cystitis with recurrent symptoms. Therefore, if symptoms suggestive of cystitis appear, patients are advised to visit a nearby urology clinic for consultation and appropriate treatment.