Hemorrhagic cystitis

Hemorrhagic cystitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bladder, resulting in bleeding and pain during urination. It can be caused by various factors, including bacterial infections, viral infections, radiation therapy, and certain medications.

Causes

Hemorrhagic cystitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Bacterial infections: Certain bacteria can cause inflammation and bleeding in the bladder.
• Viral infections: Viruses such as the BK virus and adenovirus can cause hemorrhagic cystitis.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation used to treat certain cancers can damage the bladder and cause hemorrhagic cystitis.
• Chemotherapy: Certain chemotherapy drugs, such as cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide, can cause hemorrhagic cystitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of hemorrhagic cystitis can vary, but may include:

• Pain during urination
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Frequent urination
• Urgent need to urinate

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hemorrhagic cystitis typically involves a combination of:

• Medical history: The doctor will ask about symptoms and any recent medical treatments.
• Physical examination: The doctor may perform a physical exam to check for signs of infection or inflammation.
• Urinalysis: This test can detect blood and other abnormalities in the urine.
• Cystoscopy: In this procedure, a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to check for abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment for hemorrhagic cystitis depends on the cause and may include:

• Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is causing the cystitis, antibiotics may be prescribed.
• Antiviral medications: If a viral infection is the cause, antiviral medications may be used.
• Bladder irrigation: This procedure involves flushing the bladder with a solution to remove clots and debris.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the bladder or divert urine flow.

Hemorrhagic cystitis Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? WikiMD's DocFinder can help find general and specialist physicians.	Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials.