Cystitis is the medical term for what type of infection?

Cystitis specifically refers to an infection or inflammation of the bladder. This condition often arises due to bacteria entering the urinary tract and can lead to a range of symptoms, including frequent urination, urgency, and discomfort. The term itself is derived from "cyst," meaning bladder, and the suffix "-itis," which denotes inflammation. Therefore, cystitis is directly linked to the bladder's health and function. Recognizing this helps differentiate bladder infections from other types, such as kidney infections, which would be referred to with terms like pyelonephritis, or liver-related issues, which are not associated with cystitis at all. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for medical professionals when diagnosing and treating urinary tract infections effectively.