Clinical QuickieInfectious Disease
Uncomplicated Cystitis
Treat the bladder syndrome, not the urinalysis.
Symptoms make the diagnosis plausible
Dysuria, frequency, urgency, and suprapubic discomfort without systemic upper-tract features fit uncomplicated cystitis.
Vaginal symptoms shift the differential
Discharge or significant vulvovaginal irritation raises vaginitis/cervicitis rather than isolated cystitis.
Use culture selectively
Recurrence, treatment failure, pregnancy, resistance risk, atypical symptoms, or complicated infection are situations where culture becomes more useful.
Choose antibiotics with stewardship in mind
Agent selection should reflect allergies, renal function, pregnancy, resistance patterns, prior cultures, and guideline recommendations.
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