Acute cystitis is a condition in which inflammation develops in the bladder, the organ responsible for storing urine. It is usually caused by abnormal bacterial growth inside the bladder and is quite common, with about three out of ten women experiencing it at least once in their lifetime. Typical symptoms include frequent urination, a sudden urge to urinate, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. Patients may also feel a burning or stinging sensation during urination. In some cases, pain may occur in the lower abdomen, pelvic area, or around the pubic bone. Blood may also appear in the urine, causing the urine to look reddish or leaving traces of blood on toilet paper after urination.
Acute cystitis is most commonly caused by an ascending infection, which explains why it occurs more frequently in women. Approximately 80 percent of cases are caused by Escherichia coli, although other bacteria such as Staphylococcus and Enterococcus can also be responsible. If not treated properly, acute cystitis may progress into chronic cystitis with recurrent symptoms. For this reason, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential.
A urine test is essential for diagnosing acute cystitis. This test helps determine the presence of white blood cells and signs of inflammation in the urine. It is also important to check for blood in the urine. In addition, performing a urine culture test is particularly important. If antibiotics are prescribed based only on a basic urine test without identifying the specific bacteria through culture testing, the exact cause of infection may remain unclear and treatment may be less effective. Therefore, when acute cystitis is suspected, a culture test should be performed to accurately identify the causative bacteria.
Acute cystitis can sometimes show symptoms similar to those of overactive bladder, which makes accurate diagnosis important. Urinary stones can also produce symptoms similar to cystitis, so careful differential diagnosis is necessary. When symptoms and basic urine tests alone do not provide a clear diagnosis, additional imaging tests such as X-rays or bladder and kidney ultrasound examinations may help. If blood in the urine persists even after treatment for cystitis, further evaluation with cystoscopy or abdominal CT scans may be recommended to rule out other causes.
The most important treatment for cystitis is antibiotic therapy. In many cases, symptoms improve after three to five days of treatment. As mentioned earlier, selecting an antibiotic that is effective against the specific bacteria is essential, which is why culture testing plays a crucial role. Some bacteria may show resistance to oral medications, and in such cases antibiotic injections may need to be considered.
Prevention is also an important part of managing cystitis. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and strengthening the immune system can help reduce the risk of infection. Drinking sufficient amounts of water increases urine production, which helps prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder. For women who frequently develop cystitis after sexual intercourse, preventive antibiotic use may sometimes be recommended. Proper hygiene is also important; wiping from front to back after bowel movements helps reduce bacterial spread. Excessive vaginal cleansing should be avoided, as it can disrupt the normal bacterial balance and increase the risk of infection.
Dr. Choi Ho-cheol of Goldman Urology Clinic’s Dongtan branch emphasized that although acute cystitis is a common condition, it should never be taken lightly. If proper diagnosis and treatment are not provided early, the condition may progress to chronic cystitis with repeated recurrences. Therefore, anyone experiencing suspicious symptoms should visit a nearby urology clinic for consultation and appropriate treatment.