TREATMENT OF CYSTITIS IN WOMEN

Acute cystitis is a benign curable condition which affects at least on e out of every two women at least once in their life. In uncomplicated cases, urinalysis is usually unnecessary as a simple dip stick test i s sufficient for diagnosis and prescription of a short antibiotic regi men (a single dose or a 3 day treatment). Complicated acute cystitis r equires a more precise diagnosis and justifies urinalysis and imaging. Antibiotics adapted to germ sensitivity is prescribed until bacteriol ogically sterile urine is obtained (3 to 10 days). Associated malforma tions of the urinary tract or obstruction must be managed together wit h careful control of aggravating factors (diabetes) and personal hygie ne. Recurrent cystitis, defined as at least 4 episodes, raises a certa in number of problems. The causal germ varies, although Escheria coli is found in approximately 70% of the cases. Several factors favour rec urrent cystitis including malformations of the urinary tract, lithiasi s, bladder reflux, cystocele or modification of the urethral meatus. O ther circumstances such as sexual relations, excessive vaginal hygiene , vaginal tampons and clothing habits may play a role. Antibiotics gen erally solve the problem, but mechanisms which would improve the organ ism's specific response are currently under study.