Cystitis

Pathophisiology:  Cystitis is the inflammation of bladder caused due to bacterial infection known as urinary tract infection, which is more common among females than males. These bacterial infections in urinary tract are caused by E coli, also by exposure to radiation and certain drugs. Cystitis usually occurs when the urethra and bladder, which is normally sterile (microbe free) become infected by bacteria - the area becomes irritated and inflamed.

Treatment:  Antibiotic treatment and drinking plenty of water. Over-the-counter products that increase acid in the urine, such as ascorbic acid or cranberry juice, may be recommended to decrease the concentration of bacteria in the urine. For a simple bladder infection, you will take antibiotics for 3 days (women) or 7 - 14 days (men).

Statistics:  Cystitis is associated with high health expenditure, mostly because of the cost of hospitalizations; costs have been estimated to amount to 4% of the total budget of the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, and more than $35 billion in the United States. Cystitis is the leading cause of hospitalization in people older than 25. More than 20 million people have Cystitis worldwide.