A bacterial infection in the bladder characterized by inflammation of the bladder, usually occurring secondary to rising urinary tract infections (UTI). The disorder may be acute or chronic in nature.

Gram-negative aerobic bacteria are the cause of most cases of bacterial cystitis. A few UTIs are contracted from infected blood (hematogenously), but they usually occur from bacteria traveling from the vaginal opening, prostate and/or urethra to the bladder. Most cases result from infection by Escherichia coli (E-coli) bacteria. However, other bacteria may also cause the disorder.

Chronic cystitis is usually caused by some other lesion with possibly pyuria as the only symptom.

Large amounts of blood in the urine strongly suggest bacterial cystitis. Urinalysis with microbiology studies as well as urine cultures assist in verifying the diagnosis. The causative organism can usually be identified by a midstream urine sample.

Antibiotics are the useful therapy employed. However, other therapies may be necessary if the basic cause is a renal calculus or a structural flaw in the urinary tract caused by obstruction.

A 3-day course of antibiotic therapy may be used to evaluate which patients require additional assessment and 14-day treatment. Some women may develop a syndrome known as acute urethral syndrome that manifests by dysuria, urinary frequency, and lack of significant bacteria in the urine (bacteriuria). Chronic bacterial prostatitis is noted to be the most common cause of recurrent cystitis in men. In addition, a small vesicovaginal fistula may cause recurrent cystitis.

• When evaluating any claim involving loss or loss of use of one or more creative organs, refer to 38 CFR 3.350 of this chapter to determine whether the Veteran may be entitled to special monthly compensation. Footnotes in the schedule indicate conditions which potentially establish entitlement to special monthly compensation; however, there are other conditions in this section which under certain circumstances also establish entitlement to special monthly compensation.