The condition of cystitis presents itself with the following signs and symptoms:

• Dysuria
• Increase in urge to urinate
• Development of hematuria
• Presence of low grade fever
• Strong smell and cloudy urine
• Passing small amounts of urine
• Development of pressure in the lower abdomen
• Feeling of discomfort in the pelvic region
• Young children who wet their bed accidently during day time, signifies that they are suffering from urinary tract infection. In such cases, children should receive prompt attention and treatment [8].

Prior to conducting tests, the signs and symptoms of the disease would be carefully studied. In addition, the following diagnostic tests are also required:

• Urine analysis: Urine sample would be tested for presence of bacteria, pus or blood.
• Imaging studies: If urine analysis reveal presence of bacteria, then imaging studies is seldom required. When urine tests do not draw definitive conclusion, then imaging tests such as X-ray or ultrasound are required to detect tumor or structural abnormality.
• Cystoscopy: The bladder is examined with the help of cystoscope. The cystoscope is inserted to the bladder through the urethra in order to diagnose cystitis [9]. 

Cystitis which occurs as a result of bacterial infections, is successfully treated with antibiotic regime. The patient shows signs of recovery within a day of antibiotic treatment. The length of antibiotic treatment would gravely depend on the severity of symptoms and also on whether it is a case of recurrent infections.

If drugs or exposure to radiation are the cause of cystitis, then medications to relieve the pain due to inflammation of the bladder and hydration would be employed to flush out the bladder contents. Certain medications that trigger episodes of cystitis are avoided in order to keep the condition under control and prevent its recurrence in future [10].

Prognosis of the condition depends on the underlying diseases and the duration of illness. Women continue to suffer from symptoms of cystitis even when treatment had been initiated on time. In cases, when there are other conditions such as somatization, urinary frequency and previous cystitis, all affect the severity of the symptoms and duration of symptoms.

Lower urinary tract infection resolves almost spontaneously with effective treatment regime and which prevents the progression of the condition to upper urinary tract infection. In about 25% of cases, affected women would suffer recurrent bouts of cystitis [7].

Bacterial agents such as Escherichia coli account for 70 – 95% cases of cystitis. Women who are sexually active, are pregnant or are in their menopausal phase are at an increased risk of contracting cystitis [2]. In addition to bacterial infections, various non-infectious factors are also known to play foul in causation of cystitis. These include:

• Chemical agents such as spermicidal jellies, hygiene sprays used by women and bubble bath, are also known to cause irritation of the bladder causing inflammation [3].
• Diseases such as Crohn disease, gynecologic cancer, tuberculosis, diverticulitis, pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis can also predispose an individual to develop cystitis as a complication of these disorders.
• Drugs and radiation: Certain medications such as ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide can cause cystitis, because the broken components of these medications cause inflammation of the bladder when they exit the body. Exposure to radiation can trigger inflammatory changes in the bladder [4].

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common phenomenon. It has been estimated that, about 25 – 40% of women aged 20 – 40 years, in the US, suffer from UTI. Cystitis occurs in about 0.3 – 1.3% pregnancies. Cases of acute cystitis in emergency department visits are estimated to be about 7 million per year [5].

The urinary system comprises of kidneys, bladder, urethra and ureters. All these play a pivotal role in removal of waste materials from the body. Urinary tract infections primarily occur when bacterial agents from outside enter the body through the urinary tract via the urethra causing infections.

Cystitis is a common occurrence in sexually active women who otherwise have a healthy profile. Urine is considered to be a good medium for bacterial growth. Therefore, voiding and frequently emptying the bladder can significantly reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections. The development of urinary tract infections is triggered by 3 mechanisms which include colonization, hematogenous and periurogenital spread [6].

• The efficacy of cranberry juice in preventing the occurrence of cystitis is not yet very well established [11]. However, the following measures can be adopted for preventing recurrent cystitis.
• Individuals undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy are advised to drink plenty of water.
• Urinating frequently also helps flush out bacteria. 
• After every bowel movement, it is necessary to appropriately clean the area around the vagina and anus. This would help in preventing the spread of the bacteria from the vagina and urethra.
• Sexually active women are advised to immediately empty their bladder after intercourse.

Infection of the bladder is a very painful condition and pretty uncomfortable for the affected individual. If the condition is not promptly treated, it can turn out to be a potential cause of serious health concerns. The condition of cystitis is more common in women than men. Majority of the women will suffer from cystitis at least once in their lifetime. Anatomically, women have a shorter urethra than men, which makes it easy for the bacteria from the anus to travel to the urethra causing infection [1].

• Definition: Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder that occurs usually due to bacterial infections. Majority of the women suffer from cystitis at least once in their lifetime. The condition is more common in women compared to men; especially amongst those who are sexually active or are pregnant.
• Cause: Bacterial infections by Escherichia coli are the most common cause of cystitis. Other common factors include exposure to radiation, certain medications, being sexually active, prolonged use of catheter and use of feminine hygienic products also predispose an individual to develop cystitis.
• Symptoms: Symptoms of cystitis include increase in urge to urinate, burning sensation while urination, feeling of discomfort in the pelvic region, low grade fever and passing of cloudy urine.
• Diagnosis: The condition of cystitis is diagnosed through urine tests and cystoscopy. In rare cases, imaging studies are also required for determining structural abnormalities.
• Treatment: Antibiotics form the primary basis of treatment regime. In cases, when infections are the cause, then avoiding medications that trigger episodes of cystitis is indicated.

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