Urinary infections are caused by the growth of bacteria in the bladder. Usually the bladder is germ-free. Sometimes, however, bacteria travel up the urethra (the canal through which urine is eliminated) and reach the bladder, causing cystitis. Women have shorter urethras than men, so they are more at risk of infection. In fact, more than half women will suffer from at least 1 episode of cystitis in their lifetime.
People with cystitis usually experience some of the following symptoms:
On occasion, cystitis can go completely unnoticed. In such circumstances, only urine analysis can detect the problem.
Bacteria cause cystitis, so antibiotics are the only drugs that can treat it. In addition to antibiotic therapy, you should also:
It is possible to take an analgesic to relieve the pain often associated with cystitis. This agent is used only for the first few days, while the patient waits for the antibiotic to kick in.
Depending on which antibiotic is used, the treatment can last for 1 to 7 days. Three-day courses are mostly used to treat first-time or mild infections. This shorter course is not recommended for men, pregnant women, or women who frequently have cystitis. A urine analysis is sometimes performed after drug therapy is completed to make sure that the infection is really gone.
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The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.