Cystitis - noninfectious

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Cystitis - noninfectious

Alternative Names:

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

Thegoal of treatment is to managethe symptoms, rather than provide a cure.

Noninfectious cystitis is often treated with anti-cholinergic drugs that improve bladder contraction and emptying. Possible side effects include slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, increased thirst, and stomach discomfort.

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Sometimes muscle relaxants (such as diazepam) and alpha 1-blockers (prazosin) may be used to reduce the strong urge to urinate, or the need to urinate frequently.

Surgery is rarely performed unless an individual experiences severe urinary retention, or significant blood in the urine.

DIET

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

OTHER THERAPY

Bladder re-training exercises to re-establish a pattern of regular and complete urination may help. Bladder re-training is achieved by developing a schedule of times when you should try to urinate, while trying consciously to delay urination in between these 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 be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of urgency related to chronic noninfectious cystitis. The success of Kegel exercises depends on proper technique and adherence to a regular exercise program.

Electrical stimulation to the pelvis may be used as a treatment for noninfectious cystitis, but this is controversial.

MONITORING

If the cystitis is related to radiation therapy or chemotherapy, serial urinalysis and cystoscopy (use of lighted instrument to look inside the bladder) exams may be necessary to evaluate possible complications of the initial treatment.

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 symptoms indicate that cystitis may be present, symptoms worsen, or new symptoms develop, especially fever, back or flank pain, and vomiting.