[Current management of uncomplicated acute cystitis in general practice]

Uncomplicated acute cystitis, defined as acute lower urinary tract infection in an otherwise healthy, non-pregnant, adult woman, is the most frequent form of urinary tract infection managed in general practice. The current views on diagnosis and treatment are reviewed. Using clinical epidemiological concepts we focus on the importance of the medical history, but urinalysis can be regarded as an aid in the process of differential diagnosis. Most patients will be cured by a three-day oral course of antibiotic treatment. Longer duration of treatment gives no increase in the rate of cure, and a higher rate of side-effects. Several antibiotics may be used, and from an ecological point of view we encourage a varied prescription policy. No follow-up is needed unless the symptoms persist or reappear soon after treatment.