Cystitis Overview and Symptoms

Causes of Cystitis

• Acute uncomplicated cystitis is common and often occurs without complications.
• Pyelonephritis can also lead to urinary issues and symptoms.
• Sexual transmission diseases and estrogen deficiency are notable causes.
• Medications, particularly cytotoxic drugs like cyclophosphamide, can induce cystitis.

Incidence

• Cystitis can occur at any age, with varying likelihood among different genders and demographic groups.
• Certain populations, including children and men, require referral due to increased risk factors.

Symptoms of Cystitis

• Common symptoms include urinary urgency, frequency, dysuria (pain during urination), and hematuria (blood in urine).
• Patients often experience an intense need to urinate frequently, which can lead to burning sensations.
• Associated symptoms may involve back pain, fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.

Importance of Questions and Answers

• Age and gender play critical roles in diagnosing cystitis; any male or child presenting symptoms should be referred for further evaluation.
• Dysuria is significant in diagnosing cystitis; patients may feel incomplete bladder emptying despite urgency.
• Symptoms should be assessed over 24 hours, particularly if they persist.

When to Refer

• Immediate referrals are necessary for men, children, pregnant patients, and those presenting with fever, nausea, or vomiting.
• Patients with hematuria, vaginal discharge, or recurrent cystitis should also be referred..
• Special consideration is needed for individuals with diabetes, immunocompromised patients, and women over 70 years of age.

Management

• Increased water intake is recommended to promote bladder voiding and flush out bacteria.
• Pain relief can be achieved using medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• If symptoms do not improve within two days of treatment initiation, further medical evaluation is warranted.

Causes of Urinary Symptoms

• Acute uncomplicated cystitis is a common cause of urinary symptoms.
• Pyelonephritis can also contribute to urinary issues.
• Sexually transmitted diseases and estrogen deficiency are potential causes.
• Medication-induced cystitis may occur due to cytotoxic drugs like cyclophosphamide.

Incidence Overview

• Common incidence: Mostly likely with uncomplicated cystitis.
• Less common incidence: Pyelonephritis.
• Unlikely causes include certain sexually transmitted diseases.
• Very unlikely causes: Medication-induced issues in more specific contexts.

Symptoms to Identify

• Urinary urgency: The strong desire to urinate frequently, often with little output.
• Dysuria: Painful sensation while passing urine, often accompanied by a burning feeling.
• Haematuria: Presence of blood in the urine.
• Associated symptoms: Back pain, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting might indicate complications.

Importance of Identifying Specific Symptoms

• Age and gender play key roles in determining the need for referral.
• Persistent urinary urgency and frequency indicate a more severe issue, particularly in women.
• Chronic conditions or severe symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.

When to Refer Patients

• Immediate referral is necessary for all men and children experiencing urinary symptoms.
• Additional symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, or flank pain signal complications.
• Haematuria and symptoms during pregnancy require urgent referral.
• Recurrent cystitis or cases where initial treatment fails should be referred.
• Diabetic and immunocompromised patients need close monitoring and possible referral.
• Women older than 70 years showing symptoms should be evaluated urgently.

Management Strategies

• Encourage increased water intake to promote bladder flushing.
• Suggest paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief and to lower body temperature.
• Monitor improvement: If symptoms do not improve within two days of treatment, reassess the situation.