Definition

Cystitis (pronounced sis-TIE-tess) is inflammation of the bladder. The condition is often associated with inflammation of other structures adjoining the bladder. For example, cystitis is often accompanied by urethritis (pronounced yur-ih-THRI-tess). Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra. The urethra is the tube through which the bladder empties to the exterior of the body. Cystitis and urethritis together are sometimes called lower urinary tract infections (UTI).

Description

In children under the age of twelve months, cystitis is about four times more common among boys than girls. Among adults, this pattern is very different. The condition is fifty times as common among women as among men. After the age of fifty, the pattern changes again. The rate of cystitis among men increases because of a greater number of prostate problems among men. The prostate is a gland surrounding the male urethra in front of the bladder.

The nature of...