A – Z of Illnesses & Conditions

Cystitis:  Cystitis is the medical term for inflammation of the bladder. Most of the time the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection which is commonly called a urinary tract infection (UTI). A bladder infection can be painful and annoying and it can become a serious health problem if the infection spreads to your kidneys.

Cystitis may also occur as a reaction to certain drugs, radiation therapy or potential irritants such as feminine hygiene spray. Cystitis may also occur as a complication of another illness.

Symptoms of Cystitis: An urgent and often need to urinate; pain or stinging when you urinate; and pain in the bladder. 

The symptoms of cystitis can also be caused by other conditions, so children and men should always see their doctor if they have symptoms of cystitis. Women should see their doctor if they experience the symptoms of cystitis for the first time. They should also return to their doctor if they have cystitis more than three times in one year.