How Do Doctors Diagnose Cystitis?
How Do Doctors Diagnose Cystitis?
The Diagnostic Process
Discover the tests and evaluations doctors use to confirm a diagnosis of cystitis and ensure proper treatment.
Contents
- Initial Evaluation
- Urinalysis: A Key Test
- When Additional Tests Are Needed
Initial Evaluation
Doctors often begin with a review of symptoms such as burning during urination and frequent urges. A physical exam may be conducted if there are signs of additional complications. Identifying symptoms early can guide the need for further testing.
Urinalysis: A Key Test
Urinalysis is a common test used to detect signs of infection, like white blood cells or bacteria in the urine. This test is simple and can often confirm a diagnosis of cystitis. In certain cases, doctors may also use a urine culture to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection.
When Additional Tests Are Needed
If initial tests are inconclusive or symptoms suggest a more serious infection, additional tests like imaging might be necessary. These can help detect complications or other conditions that mimic cystitis. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
FAQs
What is the first step in diagnosing cystitis?
Reviewing symptoms is the first step.
How does urinalysis help in diagnosing cystitis?
It detects white blood cells and bacteria in the urine.
When are additional tests required?
They are needed if symptoms suggest a serious infection.
The Bottom Line
Could early testing prevent cystitis complications?
Additional References
- Wilson ML, Gaido L. Laboratory diagnosis of urinary tract infections in adult patients. Clin Infect Dis 2004; 38:1150.
- Brosh-Nissimov T, Navon-Venezia S, Keller N, Amit S. Risk analysis of antimicrobial resistance in outpatient urinary tract infections of young healthy adults. J Antimicrob Chemother 2019; 74:499.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.