Urinary tract inflammation
What is Urinary Tract Inflammation?
Urinary tract inflammation, also known as cystitis or bladder infection, is a condition that occurs when the cells lining your bladder and urinary tract become inflamed. This can cause symptoms like pain, burning, discomfort, and hearing active in your bladder, as well as frequent and strong urges to urinate, or even feeling like you have to go often.
What Causes Urinary Tract Inflammation?
Urinary tract inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, such as a bladder infection caused by a bacteria or other organism. Other causes may include irritation from certain soaps, douches or other chemicals, or an abnormal reaction to a certain medication. In some cases, it can also be related to a health issue like diabetes, kidney problems, or prostate problems.
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Inflammation
The most common symptoms of urinary tract inflammation include:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Frequent and strong urges to urinate
- Feeling like you always have to go, even when your bladder is empty
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Urine that smells stronger than usual
- Pain in the lower abdomen or back
Diagnosing and Treating Urinary Tract Inflammation
Your doctor can diagnose urinary tract inflammation by taking a urine sample and looking for bacteria or other organisms. They may also do a physical exam and look for other signs or symptoms. Treatment involves antibiotics to help clear up the infection, as well as over the counter medications for symptom relief. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as drinking more water, to help keep the infection at bay.