What is the difference between cystitis and urinary tract infection?

Cystitis and urinary tract infection are different medical concepts. Cystitis is a specific type of urinary tract infection. The difference lies in the location of infection, symptoms and severity, but both need to be taken seriously and treated in a timely manner to avoid causing more serious health problems.

1. Definition and infection site

Urinary tract infection refers to the infection of the urinary tract system by pathogenic bacteria, including the upper urinary tract (kidneys, ureters) and lower urinary tract (bladder, urethra); while cystitis is a specific lower urinary tract infection, specifically referring to the inflammation caused by pathogenic bacteria invading the bladder mucosa.

If the infection is limited to the urethra, it is called urethritis; if the infection ascends to the kidneys, it may lead to the more serious pyelonephritis. The difference between cystitis and urinary tract infection lies mainly in the "extent of spread" and "degree of infection".

2. Symptom Differences

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include those of cystitis, but they vary depending on the site of infection:

- Cystitis: Frequent urination, urgency, pain when urinating, dull pain or pressure in the lower abdomen; cloudy, abnormally colored urine or even bloody. Symptoms are more often confined to the lower abdomen.

- Urinary tract infection (if it spreads to the kidneys): Systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and back pain may occur, indicating that the infection has spread more seriously.

If symptoms worsen and are accompanied by lower back pain or high fever, be alert to the possibility of infection spreading to the kidneys and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

3. Etiology and pathogenesis

-Cystitis: It is mostly caused by bacteria (usually E. coli) retrogradely infecting the bladder from the urethra. It is common in women. Causes include short urethra, sexual activity, decreased immunity, and holding urine.

- Urinary tract infection: In addition to the above reasons, urethral obstruction (such as prostatic hyperplasia, urinary stones), long-term use of catheters, etc. may also lead to lesions in the entire urinary tract.

In terms of prevention, you should pay attention to personal hygiene, urinate in time, avoid holding urine for a long time, and drink enough water to promote urine flushing.

4. Treatment and care recommendations

Treatment varies depending on the severity of symptoms and the extent of the infection:

-Medication:

1. Mild cystitis: Short-course antibiotics are preferred, such as nitrofurantoin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim.

2. Severe urinary tract infection (such as pyelonephritis): Usually a broader spectrum of antibiotics such as cephalosporins (cefotaxime) or quinolones (ofloxacin) are used.

3. Infection with drug-resistant bacteria: Combination therapy may be required, and the regimen needs to be adjusted based on urine culture results.

-Dietary recommendations:

1. Drink enough water, no less than 2000 ml of water per day, to increase urination and help "flush" pathogens in the urinary tract.

2. Drinking cranberry juice containing proanthocyanidins in moderation may help prevent bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall.

-Other care: Develop the habit of frequent urination, avoid spicy food, and correct bad living habits.

Conclusion

Cystitis is a manifestation of urinary tract infection. The symptoms of cystitis and urinary tract infection vary depending on the site of infection, and the scope of urinary tract infection may be more extensive. Understanding the difference between the two can help to identify and prevent the disease earlier, and treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor. When symptoms are found to be aggravated or not improved, it is important to pay close attention and seek medical attention in time to avoid long-term complications. To maintain the health of the urinary system, you also need to pay attention to the improvement of hygiene and living habits on a daily basis.