Recurrent cystitis

Alternative Names

Cystitis - recurrent; Urinary tract infection - recurrent; UTI - recurrent

Symptoms

The symptoms of recurrent infections are the same as for first episodes and include:

Painful or burning urination
Urinary frequency and urgency
Dark, foul-smelling urine
Bloody urine (rare)

Signs and tests

Analysis of the urine shows the presence of white blood cells, occasionally red blood cells, and the type of bacteria that is responsible for the infection (usually E. coli). A urine culture can also determine the type of bacteria that is in the urine, as well as which antibiotics will work against that bacteria.

If an infection is severe, lasting for more than a few days, and accompanied by fevers and back pain, your doctor may also order an ultrasound or CT scan, as well as other blood tests, to make sure there is no infection of your kidneys.

If some physical abnormality is suspected as the cause of the infections, other tests may be ordered, including an intravenous pyelogram, a study using dye to trace the flow of urine through your kidneys and bladder.