Cystitis is not a small matter and should not be overlooked

A common disease among women, especially working-age women, is ‘cystitis.’ When affected, many tend to endure the pain, self-medicate, and consider it a minor issue. But did you know? Cystitis can be the cause of other subsequent infections.

What is Cystitis?

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or cystitis is a disease caused by inflammation of the urinary tract organs due to infection, mostly bacterial. It is more common in women than men because women have a shorter urethra, about 4-5 centimeters, and the area around the anus is close to the urethral opening, making it easier for infections and inflammation to occur.

Symptoms of Cystitis

1. Irritation, pain, and burning sensation; frequent urination but feeling incomplete emptying; passing only small amounts each time.
2. Urine may contain blood, which can be visible to the naked eye.
3. High or low fever, fatigue, and weakness.

Causes of Cystitis

1. Abnormal behaviors such as frequently holding in urine, which allows bacteria to grow more and increases pressure in the bladder, causing the lining to contract and bacteria to embed in the bladder, leading to inflammation.
2. Improper cleaning of the female genital area or lack of caution. It is recommended to clean or wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus entering the urethra.

Diagnosis of Cystitis

1. Physical examination by palpating the bladder to check for abnormal enlargement due to retained urine and to locate the pain.
2. Urine test to check for the presence of red or white blood cells, as well as the color and concentration of the urine.

Treatment and Prevention of Cystitis

Doctors treat cystitis with antibiotics and antispasmodic drugs, along with behavioral adjustments such as not holding urine and carefully cleaning properly after using the restroom.

Currently, cystitis is very common, especially among working women. It can be caused by various factors such as reluctance to use public restrooms, improper cleaning methods, spending long hours outdoors, and insufficient water intake. Therefore, cystitis is considered a behavior-related disease. Repeated infections increase the chance of drug-resistant bacteria, which may require stronger antibiotics. Additionally, it can develop into pyelonephritis (kidney infection).