Cystitis

6-minute read

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder. It is most common in adult females but it can also affect adult males and children.

If you think you or your child may have cystitis, it's important to see a doctor. Cystitis can lead to serious illness if it is not treated.

What are the symptoms of cystitis?

The main symptoms of cystitis are:

a strong, persistent urge to urinate (wee)
feeling pain or burning when urinating
needing to urinate often
passing only small amounts of urine each time
a dull ache or pain in your lower abdomen (belly)
urine that smells, or looks cloudy or bloody
pain above your pubic bone
fever

Signs that your child may have cystitis include:

having a high temperature
being irritable
wetting themselves when they were previously toilet trained
reduced appetite
being sick

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes cystitis?

Cystitis is often caused by a bacterial infection. This is known as a urinary tract infection or UTI.

Cystitis is usually caused by bacteria getting into the urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder out of your body). It can happen any time and it can also be caused by having sex. The bacteria involved is usually Escherichia coli (E. Coli) which live in your bowel.

Cystitis can also be caused by:

wiping your bottom from back to front after going to the toilet
some medicines
some chemicals found in bubble baths and spermicides
some conditions like kidney stones and diabetes
trouble weeing
prostate problems
urinary catheters
radiation therapy

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if:

you think you have cystitis and the symptoms have not gone away after 3 days
you get cystitis symptoms frequently
you have symptoms of cystitis and you are pregnant
your child has symptoms of cystitis

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How is cystitis diagnosed?

To diagnose cystitis, your doctor may ask for a urine sample. This test can also help find out which antibiotic is best for treatment.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How is cystitis treated?

Treatment for cystitis usually includes a prescribed course of antibiotics from your doctor. Some pharmacists can also provide treatment for UTIs. Use the link for your state or territory below to learn more:

You should also rest and drink plenty of water.

As well as treatment prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist, there are some extra things that may help relieve the symptoms of cystitis. These include:

adding a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to a glass of water and drinking it
taking a urinary alkaliser available over the counter from your pharmacy
having a warm bath, lying in a warm bed, or applying a hot water bottle or wheat bag to your back or abdomen
taking pain-relief medicines, such as paracetamol, if you are in pain

Can cystitis be prevented?

Things that may help prevent you from getting cystitis include:

drinking lots of water
urinating as soon as you feel the need
making sure you empty your bladder completely each time you urinate
making sure you always wipe yourself from front to back after urinating (for females)
wearing cotton underpants (not nylon)
showering at least daily
urinating straight after sex

Complications of cystitis

It’s important to see your doctor or pharmacist if you think you may have cystitis. If not treated, cystitis can lead to kidney infection. This can cause fever, back pain and vomiting.

Rarely, cystitis can lead to sepsis — a life-threatening condition that needs immediate treatment.