What Causes Bladder Inflammation?

Bladder inflammation, also called cystitis, happens when the lining of the bladder becomes irritated, swollen, or inflamed. This condition can affect both men and women, but it is more common in women due to their shorter urethra. People often notice pain while urinating, a frequent urge to urinate, or a feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen. The causes of bladder inflammation can vary, and not all of them are related to infection.

One of the most common causes is urinary tract infection (UTI). When bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra, they can multiply and cause irritation. This leads to symptoms such as burning with urination, urgency, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. If not treated, the infection can worsen or spread to the kidneys.

Bladder inflammation can also occur without infection. One example is interstitial cystitis, sometimes known as painful bladder syndrome. In this condition, the bladder lining becomes overly sensitive. The exact cause is unknown, but it may involve nerve problems or an autoimmune response. This form of bladder inflammation is long-term and usually needs ongoing management.

Chemical irritants in personal care products such as soaps, bubble baths, and sprays can also lead to bladder inflammation. Some people are sensitive to these substances, which can irritate the bladder even without any infection. Dehydration may worsen this irritation because concentrated urine is more acidic and harder on the bladder lining.

Radiation therapy to the pelvic area may also cause bladder inflammation. This is called radiation cystitis. The bladder lining can become inflamed due to damage from radiation used to treat cancers such as prostate or cervical cancer.

Other causes include certain medications like chemotherapy drugs, which can irritate the bladder from the inside. Long-term use of urinary catheters or the presence of bladder stones may also lead to inflammation by constantly irritating the bladder wall.

In rare cases, autoimmune diseases may cause the immune system to attack the bladder tissue by mistake. This can lead to chronic bladder problems even when there is no infection or outside trigger.

Treating bladder inflammation depends on the cause. If it is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics are usually effective. If it is caused by irritation or another medical condition, avoiding the trigger and using medications to reduce inflammation may help. Drinking plenty of fluids and emptying the bladder regularly can also reduce irritation.