Cystitis |
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Cystitis
is an inflammation or infection on the
lining of the urinary bladder and it
affects women more often than men. The
term is often used to refer to a range
of infections and irritations occurring
in the lower urinary system.
Causes and Risk Factors
Bacterial cystitis,
which is the most common type of cystitis,
is caused by intestinal bacteria. These
bacteria enter into the urinary tract
through the urethra, the tube through
which urine exits the body. They cling
to the bladder wall and multiply rapidly,
which leads to severe inflammation and
eventual discomfort. Most cases of cystitis
are caused by the E. coli (Escherichia
coli) bacteria that commonly inhabit
the lower gastrointestinal tract region.
This problem
is observed more often in women than
in men because their urethra is shorter
than that of men and its opening is
located near the anus. Pregnant women,
sexually active women, and those women
undergoing menopause are more vulnerable
to contracting this infection.
Cystitis may
be caused in men as a result of bladder
or prostate infection, enlarged prostate,
tumor, or an obstruction.
Improper toilet
hygiene, prolonged and vigorous sexual
activity, congenital deformity in the
urinary system that prevents the bladder
from emptying completely, and use of
catheter or cystoscopy (endoscope of
the urinary bladder via the urethra)
increase the risk of contracting cystitis.
Disorders that interfere with the immune
system such as diabetes and HIV also
increase the chances of contracting
urinary tract infections including cystitis.
Cystitis is also frequently observed
among the elderly because of age-related
complications such as incomplete emptying
of the bladder, bowel incontinence,
and insufficient toilet hygiene resulting
from decreased mobility.
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