Treating Uncomplicated Cystitis
Treating Uncomplicated Cystitis
Urinary tract infections are relatively common in women. They may be classified as uncomplicated or complicated depending upon the anatomy and physiology of the urinary tract. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder that can be managed with prescription medications as well as nonprescription strategies. The current guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommend several short- and long-term antibiotic regimens to treat uncomplicated cystitis. Preventive strategies to manage patients with recurring cystitis are also available.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be divided into uncomplicated and complicated depending upon the anatomical and pathophysiological elements of the urinary tract. An infection in an intact, normally functional tract is classified as an uncomplicated infection. If there are any urinary tract abnormalities such as an obstruction, or the patient is predisposed to UTIs, then the infection is classed as complicated. Furthermore, the infection may involve only lower tract (bladder and urethra) or both the upper and lower tracts. In some cases, an infection of the upper urinary tract may be classified as a complicated infection.
Cystitis is specifically an infection of the bladder that can be managed with prescription medications as well as nonprescription strategies. Since cystitis is so frequently encountered in the community pharmacy setting, it is useful for pharmacist to have in-depth knowledge of how it can be effectively managed.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Urinary tract infections are relatively common in women. They may be classified as uncomplicated or complicated depending upon the anatomy and physiology of the urinary tract. Cystitis is an infection of the bladder that can be managed with prescription medications as well as nonprescription strategies. The current guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommend several short- and long-term antibiotic regimens to treat uncomplicated cystitis. Preventive strategies to manage patients with recurring cystitis are also available.
Introduction
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be divided into uncomplicated and complicated depending upon the anatomical and pathophysiological elements of the urinary tract. An infection in an intact, normally functional tract is classified as an uncomplicated infection. If there are any urinary tract abnormalities such as an obstruction, or the patient is predisposed to UTIs, then the infection is classed as complicated. Furthermore, the infection may involve only lower tract (bladder and urethra) or both the upper and lower tracts. In some cases, an infection of the upper urinary tract may be classified as a complicated infection.
Cystitis is specifically an infection of the bladder that can be managed with prescription medications as well as nonprescription strategies. Since cystitis is so frequently encountered in the community pharmacy setting, it is useful for pharmacist to have in-depth knowledge of how it can be effectively managed.