Which symptoms are commonly seen with cystitis as opposed to pyelonephritis?

• A. Fever and flank pain
• B. Nausea and vomiting
• C. Hematuria without dysuria
• D. Dysuria, frequency, and urgency without systemic signs

Answer: (D)

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder that causes irritation of the lower urinary tract. The hallmark symptoms are irritative voiding symptoms—dysuria (painful urination), increased frequency, and urgency. These occur without systemic signs of infection. That pattern distinguishes it from a kidney infection, pyelonephritis, which tends to bring systemic findings such as fever, flank pain, and often nausea or vomiting. Hematuria can occur with bladder inflammation, but the classic, distinguishing feature for cystitis is the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms without systemic illness. So the option describing dysuria, frequency, and urgency without systemic signs best fits cystitis. If systemic signs were present, that would shift the consideration toward pyelonephritis and more urgent evaluation.