Cystitis Flashcards
what is cystitis?
inflammation of the bladder or urethra
How is cystitis characterised by?
pain when passing urine and causes frequency, urgency, nocturia, cloudy and smelly urine
What questions might you ask the pt who might have cystitis?
- Duration - symptoms longer than 5-7 days should be referred - risk that the pt might get pyelonephritis
- Age of the pt - unusual in children - structural urinary tract abnormality
- Presence of fever - referral is needed if the pt presents with fever associated with dysuria, frequency, urgency - can be an upper UTI
- Vaginal discharge - vaginal infection
- Location of pain - pain experienced in the loin area suggests an upper UTI
When should you refer for cystits?
Children Men Pregnant women Blood in urine - indicate tumour in bladder or kidney Vaginal discharge Deep abdominal pain Fever, N/V Loin pain or tenderness Longer than 2 days duration Recurrent cystitis Failed tx
What other complications can arise with cystitis? What symptoms can the pt experience?
Pyelonephritis - infection of the kidneys
pt will experience: fever, chills, flank, loin pain, N/V
Which antibiotic is given for pts with PID?
7-day course of ciprofloxacin 500mg BD
What are the unlikely causes that can occur?
STI’s
pyuria - pus in the urine is present
Oestrogen deficiency - thinning of the endometrial lining as a result of a reduction in the levels of circulating oestrogen in the blood
What are very unlikely causes?
NSAIDS have shown to cause cystitis
Vaginitis - similar symptoms to cystitis - vaginal discharge is highly suggestive of vaginitis
How quick is the onset of cystitis?
sudden not gradual
Who are pts at risk of developing upper urinary tract infections ?
diabetes pregnant women immunocompromised elderly pts with symptoms more than 2 days or 5-7 days
What are OTC preps you can offer to tx cystitis ?
Potassium citrate or sodium citrate (oral solutions or sachets) for 2 days treatment - Oasis Cystitis Relief, Cymalon, Cystocalm
or cranberry juice - don’t recommend in diabetics
What dose is recommended?
one sachet to be taken TDS
Which pts should avoid taking potassium citrate?
pts on potassium-sparing diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, ACE inhibitors
Which pts should avoid taking sodium citrate?
HTN pts or heart disease pts or pregnant women
what are the side effects that can occur for pts taking potassium citrate?
gastric irritation
