Health Encyclopedia

Cystitis - noninfectious

Definition

Noninfectious cystitis is irritation of the bladder that is not caused by a urinary tract infection.

Alternative Names

Abacterial cystitis; Radiation cystitis; Chemical cystitis; Urethral syndrome - acute

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Noninfectious cystitis is most common in women of childbearing years. The exact cause of noninfectious cystitis is often unknown. However, it has been associated with the use of bubble baths, feminine hygiene sprays, sanitary napkins, spermicidal jellies, radiation therapy to the pelvis area, and chemotherapy with certain types of medications, and other irritants.

Certain foods, such as tomatoes, artificial sweeteners, caffeinated products, chocolate, and alcohol, can cause irritative bladder symptoms.

Symptoms

Pressure in the lower pelvis
Painful urination
Frequent need to urinate
Urgent need to urinate
Decreased ability to hold urine
Need to urinate at night
Abnormal urine color -- cloudy
Blood in the urine
Foul or strong urine odor

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Signs and tests

A urinalysis may reveal red blood cells (RBCs) and some white blood cells (WBCs).

A urine culture (clean catch) or catheterized urine specimen will reveal whether you have a bacterial infection.

If the cystitis is related to radiation or chemotherapy, urine tests and cystoscopy (use of lighted instrument to look inside the bladder) may be needed.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to manage the symptoms.

Medical Treatments:

Anticholinergic drugs can help improve bladder contraction and emptying. Possible side effects include slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, increased thirst, and constipation.
Muscle relaxants (such as diazepam) and alpha 1-blockers (prazosin) may be used to reduce the strong urge to urinate or need to urinate frequently.
Surgery is rarely performed unless a person has severe urinary retention or significant blood in the urine.

Diet:

Avoid fluids that irritate the bladder such as alcohol, citrus juices, and caffeine.

Other therapies:

Bladder exercises to re-establish a pattern of regular and complete urination may help. Bladder training exercises involve developing a schedule of times when you should try to urinate, while trying to delay urination at all other times. One method is to force yourself to urinate every 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours, despite any leakage or urge to urinate in between these times. As you become skilled at waiting this long, gradually increase the time intervals by 1/2 hour until you are urinating every 3 to 4 hours.
Pelvic muscle strengthening exercises called Kegel exercises are used primarily to treat people with stress incontinence. However, these exercises may also help relieve symptoms of urgency related to long-term (chronic) noninfectious cystitis. Performing the exercises properly and regularly increases the method's success.
Electrical stimulation to the pelvis may be used as a treatment for noninfectious cystitis, but this is controversial.

Expectations (prognosis)

Although most cases of cystitis are uncomfortable, they usually resolve over time.

Complications

Ulceration of bladder wall
Urethral stricture
Diminished bladder capacity
Bladder cancer
Anemia

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of cystitis, or if you have been diagnosed with cystitis and symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, especially fever, back or flank pain, and vomiting.

Prevention

Avoid using items that may be irritants such as bubble baths, feminine hygiene sprays, sanitary napkins or tampons (especially scented products), and spermicidal jellies.

If you need to use such products, try to find those that do not cause irritation for you.

References

Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007.

Stenchever MA, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2001:831.

Review Date:1/24/2008
Reviewed By:Marc A. Greenstein, D.O., F.A.C.O.S. Urologist, Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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