Cystitis causes female

Cystitis is a urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects the bladder. It's common, particularly in women. It often gets better by itself, but may sometimes be treated with antibiotics.

Some people get cystitis frequently and may need regular or long-term treatment.

Check if it's cystitis

Symptoms of cystitis include:

• pain, burning or stinging when you pee
• needing to pee more often and urgently than usual
• pee that's dark, cloudy or strong smelling
• pain low down in your tummy

Symptoms in young children may also include:

• a high temperature – they feel hotter than usual if you touch their neck, back or tummy
• wetting themselves
• reduced appetite and being sick
• weakness and irritability

In older, frail people with cognitive impairment (such as dementia) and people with a urinary catheter, symptoms may also include:

• changes in behaviour, such as acting confused or agitated (delirium)
• wetting themselves more than usual
• shivering or shaking (rigors)