Cystitis or irritable bladder? Recognizing the differences

Frequent, sudden urge to urinate: just a bladder infection or already an irritable bladder? An overview of the differences and symptoms of bladder problems.

A strong, frequent urge to urinate, even though only small amounts of urine are needed, and pain when urinating – many people initially think of these symptoms as a bladder infection . But sometimes an irritable bladder is the underlying cause. How a bladder infection differs from an irritable bladder.

Cystitis and overactive bladder are two common conditions. Women are particularly affected. Because the symptoms are similar, it is often difficult to distinguish between the two bladder disorders. Both cystitis and overactive bladder manifest themselves, among other things, with:

Cystitis and irritable bladder have different causes. Cystitis is a bacterial inflammation of the bladder lining caused by bacteria, usually Escherichia coli. These bacteria can, for example, enter the urethra via the anal region during sexual intercourse and ascend through the urethra into the bladder, where they multiply.

Symptoms such as frequent and intense urination, as well as sharp pain and burning, are the result of the bacterial inflammatory process. Uncomplicated cystitis usually clears up in about a week. About 10 out of 100 women experience cystitis at least once a year.

An irritable bladder is also not uncommon. According to the German Continence Society, the number of people affected by an overactive bladder is in the millions. Many have to go to the bathroom up to 20 times a day and night. The cause of an irritable bladder, also known as overactive bladder syndrome, is a disorder of bladder function. It is believed that the affected person's bladder muscle activity is excessive. The bladder contracts and sends the signal "full," even though the appropriate level has not yet been reached. Irritable bladder is chronic.

There are risk factors that can promote the development of irritable bladder or worsen its symptoms. According to the German Continence Society, these include:

Although the symptoms are similar, the causes of cystitis and an irritable bladder are different. In up to 90 percent of cases, cystitis is caused by inflammation of the bladder lining caused by Escherichia coli bacteria. The trigger for an irritable bladder is bladder muscle activity or incorrect signaling. The urge to urinate with an irritable bladder can become so strong that those affected can no longer hold the urine, and it flows out in a gush (urge incontinence). Important to know: Frequent cystitis can also contribute to an irritable bladder under certain circumstances.

The causes of cystitis and an overactive bladder are as diverse as the treatment approaches. For uncomplicated cystitis, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids to flush the bladder. According to the authors of the patient guidelines for "Cystitis," special bladder teas, such as those containing bearberry leaves, or cranberry juice, can be helpful in some cases. Painkillers and heat relieve the unpleasant symptoms. If the cystitis does not clear up on its own within a week or if the symptoms become more severe, an antibiotic is administered.