It is believed that many people have experienced situations where they are forced to hold their urine inevitably. Occasionally holding urine may not cause much harm, but if it becomes a habit, the body will not be able to expel waste as it should. Regularly holding urine can cause more harm than good. So enough! Stop these behaviors before cystitis visits you.
Know Clearly… Cystitis
Cystitis often results from bacterial infection in the urinary tract (Urinary Tract Infection: UTI), causing abnormalities. It can occur in all genders and ages, but “mostly occurs more in women than men” because women have a shorter urethra located near the vagina and anus, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder through the urethra. In contrast, men have a longer urethra and it is farther from the anus, so the chance of infection is lower.
What Causes Cystitis?
Cystitis is divided into 2 groups:
- Caused by bacterial infection
This is the most common cause, especially the bacteria Escherichia coli or E. coli, which accounts for 75-95%, and Klebsiella bacteria, which are abundant in the intestines and around the anus. These bacteria can enter the body through various routes such as sexual intercourse, wiping from back to front, using tampons, and catheterization. Men have a lower chance of infection due to a longer urethra and greater distance from the anus.
These bacteria often sneak into the bladder without us realizing it. However, if we urinate every time we feel the urge, the body can flush out the bacteria by itself without causing bladder inflammation. But if urine is held for a long time, bacteria will multiply along with increased pressure in the bladder, causing the bladder lining to contract and bacteria to embed in the bladder, leading to inflammation.
- Not caused by bacterial infection, which is less common but can result from various causes such as:
- Medications: Some drug components may cause inflammation or irritation of the bladder, especially chemotherapy drugs such as cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide.
- Radiation therapy in the pelvic area can cause inflammation of the bladder tissue exposed to radiation.
- Foreign objects: Long-term use of urinary catheters can cause infection and tissue damage, leading to inflammation.
- Chemicals: Some people may be sensitive or irritated by chemicals in certain products such as bath products or intimate area cleansers.
- Health problems: May be complications from underlying diseases such as stones, enlarged prostate, or spinal cord injury.
- Honeymoon cystitis: Caused by bruising from sexual intercourse, leading to urethral inflammation.
Warning Signs of Cystitis You Should Know
- Frequent urination, small amounts each time, feeling like you cannot fully empty the bladder
- Pain in the lower abdomen, burning, stinging, or heat during urination, especially at the end of urination
- Cloudy urine, sometimes with an unusual odor, or urine may contain blood
- Usually no fever (except if there is pyelonephritis, the patient will have high fever, chills, cloudy urine, and back pain)
- In children, symptoms may include bedwetting, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fatigue
- In some elderly people, there may be no urinary symptoms but fatigue, confusion, or fever may occur
If Cystitis Is Diagnosed, Prompt Treatment Is Necessary
The doctor will consider treatment based on the cause as follows:
Bacterial cystitis can be treated by
- Taking antibiotics such as trimethoprim or nitrofurantoin. The duration of medication depends on the patient’s overall health and the type of bacteria found in the urine.
- Symptomatic treatment such as pain relievers and bladder muscle relaxants.
- For patients in menopause, doctors may prescribe vaginal creams containing hormone replacement because hormonal changes during menopause can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the vagina, making infections easier to occur and spread to the bladder.
- Drink plenty of water, apply a hot water bag between the lower abdomen and above the groin, and avoid sexual intercourse during symptoms.
- If recurrent infections occur, further urinary tract examinations may be required, and antibiotics may need to be taken for a longer period.
Cystitis from Other Causes
- Avoid factors that trigger the disease, such as avoiding products that irritate the bladder.
- Symptomatic treatment such as bladder irrigation for patients with symptoms caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Do Not Ignore Cystitis… It Is More Dangerous Than You Think
If cystitis is not properly treated, the infection may spread to the renal pelvis, causing pyelonephritis and potentially permanent kidney damage. This can result in nausea, vomiting, back pain, flank pain, high fever, and chills. Severe infections may progress to bloodstream infections, which can be fatal. In men, the infection may also spread to cause prostatitis or orchitis.
