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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Cystitis signs and symptoms often include:

  • A strong, persistent urge to urinate
  • A burning sensation when urinating
  • Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)
  • Passing cloudy or strong-smelling urine
  • Discomfort in the pelvic area
  • A feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen
  • Low-grade fever

In young children, new episodes of accidental wetting (enuresis) also may be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) — especially if wetting occurs:

  • Both at night and during the day
  • Only during the day
  • At least once each week

Nighttime bed-wetting on its own isn't likely to be associated with a UTI.

When to see a doctor
Call your doctor immediately if you have signs and symptoms common to a kidney infection, including:

  • Back or side pain
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea and vomiting

If you develop urgent, frequent or painful urination that lasts for several hours or longer or if you notice blood in your urine, call your doctor. If you've been diagnosed with a UTI in the past and you develop symptoms that mimic a previous UTI, call your doctor.

Also call your doctor if cystitis symptoms return after you've finished a course of antibiotics. You may need a different type of medication.

If your child starts having daytime wetting accidents, call your pediatrician.

Causes Definition

  • See Also

    • Hand Scheduled
    Section Focus
  • Interstitial cystitis

    • Related Links
    Related Guides
    Children
    Parent
References
  1. Eckert LO, et al. Infections of the lower genital tract: Vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, HIV infections. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177168529-3/935265772/1524/147.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-02951-3..50025-X--cesec2_754. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  2. Infectious disease. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177168529-3/935265772/1481/590.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50054-3--cesec94_3599. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  3. Hooton TM. Acute cystitis in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  4. Interstitial cystitis / Painful bladder syndrome. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/interstitialcystitis/. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  5. French L, et al. Urinary problems in women. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. 2009;36:53.
  6. Hooton TM, et al. Recurrent urinary tract infection in women. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  7. Ksycki MF, et al. Nosocomial urinary tract infection. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2009;89:475.
  8. Aliotta PJ, et al. Urinary tract infections. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177168529-17/935347317/2088/688.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00030-7--s0250_14032. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  9. Natural history of bacteriuria and pyelonephritis. In: Brenner BM, et al. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3105-5..50036-0--cesec36&displayedEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3105-5..50036-0--cesec37&uniq=177168529&isbn=978-1-4160-3105-5&sid=935319858. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  10. Hemorrhagic cystitis. Chemocare.com. http://www.chemocare.com/managing/hemorrhagic_cystitis.asp. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  11. Shortliffe LMD. Infection and inflammation of the pediatric genitourinary tract. In: Wein AJ. Wein: Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/177168529-16/935328560/1445/115.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50114-X--cesec78_6964. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  12. Urinary tract infections. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp050.cfm. Accessed Jan. 5, 2010.
  13. Castle EP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Ariz. Jan. 10, 2010.
DS00285 March 6, 2010

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