J Korean Med Assoc.  2023 Jun;66(6):336-341. 10.5124/jkma.2023.66.6.336.

Raising awareness of recurrent cystitis among women

• Ahn ST
• Lee SJ
• Oh MM

• KMID: 2543846
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2023.66.6.336

Abstract

Background
Recurrent cystitis is a common condition affecting women, often causing discomfort and negatively impacting their quality of life. Despite the high level of morbidity, this condition is frequently overlooked due to relatively low fatality rate. This lack of adequate awareness about recurrent cystitis has led to increased healthcare costs, inappropriate utilization of medical resources, and growing antibiotic resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to raise awareness and improve the strategies employed for managing recurrent cystitis.
Current Concepts
The socioeconomic burden imposed by recurrent cystitis is substantial, with billions of dollars spent worldwide every year on its diagnosis and treatment. Unnecessary emergency room visits and loss of labor due to illness further exacerbate the costs. Additionally, recurrent cystitis significantly diminishes patients’ quality of life, leading to psychological challenges such as anxiety and depression. Recent research has highlighted the importance of identifying underlying conditions and modifying lifestyle behaviors, in addition to actual treatment, to improve patients’ quality of life.
Discussion and Conclusion
It is important to implement various strategies to raise awareness and foster interest in recurrent cystitis. These include patient education, public awareness campaigns, healthcare professional training, online resources, and research collaboration. By increasing awareness and adopting a proactive approach to managing recurrent cystitis, we can improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall efficiency of the healthcare system, ultimately benefiting patients, medical staff, and society as a whole.

Keyword

Cystitis; Recurrence; Perception; Prevention and control; 방광염; 재발성; 인식; 예방 및 관리