Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, most commonly caused by a bacterial infection and considered a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). It frequently affects women due to anatomical factors but can occur in anyone. Typical symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate, burning or pain during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, pelvic discomfort, and sometimes blood in the urine. While most cases are caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli, cystitis can also result from irritation, certain medications, radiation therapy, or underlying medical conditions. Treatment usually involves antibiotics when infection is present, along with increased fluid intake and symptom relief measures. Prompt treatment is important to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys or causing further complications.