Cystitis

Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects the bladder. It’s common, particularly in women. Cystitis often gets better by itself but may sometimes be treated with antibiotics.

If you experience frequent episodes of cystitis, you may need regular or long-term treatment.

There’s also a chance that cystitis could lead to a more serious kidney infection. It’s important to seek professional advice if your symptoms don’t improve.

Symptoms of cystitis

Cystitis can cause problems with peeing and make you feel unwell.

Symptoms of cystitis in adults

Symptoms of cystitis in adults include:

• pain, burning or stinging when you pee

• needing to pee more often and urgently than normal

• feeling like you need to pee again soon after going to the toilet

• pee that’s dark, cloudy or strong-smelling

• pain low down in your tummy

• feeling generally unwell, achy, sick and tired

• blood in your urine

In adults, cystitis doesn’t usually cause a high temperature (fever). If you have a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above and pain in your lower back or sides, it may be a sign of a kidney infection.

Symptoms of cystitis in children

Symptoms of cystitis in children include:

• a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above

• weakness and tiredness

• irritability

• reduced appetite

• vomiting

Children with cystitis can sometimes also have symptoms usually found in adults. This can include things like pain when peeing, peeing more often than normal, and pain in their tummy.

When to get medical advice

Contact your GP practice urgently if you or your child:

• have a very high or low temperature – for example, you feel either hot or cold to touch or are shivering

• have pain in the lower tummy or in your back under the ribs

• are feeling confused, dizzy or lightheaded

• feel sick or are being sick – for example, you can’t keep food or fluids down

• have not had to pee all day or are showing other signs of dehydration

• have blood in your pee

If your GP practice is closed, phone 111.

Speak to your GP practice if you or your child:

• have symptoms of cystitis for the first time

• have symptoms of cystitis that have not improved within a few days

• have symptoms that have not gone away after treatment with antibiotics

• have severe symptoms of cystitis, such as severe pain in your lower tummy

• get cystitis frequently

• have symptoms of cystitis and you’re pregnant

• are male and have symptoms of cystitis

Treatment for cystitis

Mild cystitis will usually clear up on its own within a few days, although sometimes you may need to take antibiotics.

Women who have had cystitis before don’t necessarily need to see their GP if the condition returns. Mild cases often get better without antibiotics. You can try the self-help measures or ask your pharmacist for advice.

Things you can try yourself

If you’ve had cystitis before and don’t feel you need to see your GP, there are some things you can do to help relieve your symptoms until the condition clears up.

It may help to:

• take over-the-counter painkillers, like paracetamol or ibuprofen – always read the medicine information leaflet beforehand to check whether you can take it, and check with your pharmacist if you’re not sure

• drink plenty of water

• use a hot water bottle – holding a hot water bottle on your tummy or between your thighs may reduce any discomfort

• avoid having sex

• avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder, like fruit juices, coffee and alcohol

• pee frequently

Some people find that drinking cranberry juice or using products that reduce the acidity of their pee (such as sodium bicarbonate or potassium citrate) reduces their symptoms. However, there’s no evidence that they help symptoms or treat cystitis.

Treatment from a pharmacist

Speak to your local pharmacist about cystitis treatments. Your pharmacist can:

• offer advice on how to treat your symptoms

• suggest which medication to take

• advise you on whether you need to see a GP about your symptoms