What is the medical term for a bladder infection?

The term that specifically refers to a bladder infection is cystitis. Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, often caused by a bacterial infection, and is typically characterized by symptoms such as urgency, frequency of urination, and pelvic pain.

While the broader term urinary tract infection (UTI) can encompass bladder infections as well as infections of the urethra (urethritis) and the kidneys (pyelonephritis), cystitis is more precise when referring specifically to the bladder. Therefore, using cystitis is more accurate in the context of a bladder infection.

Pyelonephritis refers to a more severe kidney infection, and prostatitis pertains specifically to inflammation of the prostate gland, making them unrelated to a bladder infection. Having clarity regarding these terms is essential in a medical setting to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment.