Doctors Warn That a New COVID-19 Bladder Syndrome is Surging Among Those with Long COVID
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 07, 2026 1 day, 43 minutes ago
Medical News: A Surprising New Post-COVID Problem
Doctors are sounding the alarm about a rising and little-known complication linked to long COVID—persistent bladder trouble. Many people recovering from COVID-19 are suddenly experiencing constant urges to urinate, nighttime bathroom trips and bladder discomfort, even when tests show no infection.
Doctors report bladder inflammation and urinary urgency are rising in long COVID patients, suggesting a newly
recognized condition
A newly described condition—called COVID-19-Associated Cystitis (CAC)—is now believed to be responsible. This
Medical News report shines a light on a case study and emerging science showing how the virus may inflame the bladder long after the rest of the body appears healed.
Elderly Woman’s Bladder Symptoms Offer Critical Clues
Researchers from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, USA, and MCR Health, USA, followed a 71-year-old woman who had fully recovered from cough, fever and fatigue caused by COVID-19. But just nine days later, a new symptom appeared—an urgent need to urinate every hour or two, including twice a night.
Her laboratory tests told a confusing story:
-No bacteria
-Normal urine
-No pain, blood or fever
Doctors ruled out urinary tract infection and diagnosed CAC—a bladder irritation brought on by COVID-19. When she began taking oxybutynin, a standard overactive bladder medication, her symptoms disappeared within a month and never returned.
How COVID-19 Triggers Bladder Mayhem
Research teams are now uncovering biological explanations.
Scientists have found:
-High levels of inflammatory chemicals, including IL-6 and IL-8, inside urine samples from COVID-19 patients
-Three key viral entry receptors—ACE2, TMPRSS2 and CD147—present on bladder tissue
-Long-lasting immune reactions similar to those seen in painful bladder disorders
It was found that COVID-19-induced inflammatory molecules overstimulate nerves and muscles in the bladder, meaning people feel they must rush to the bathroom—even when their bladder is almost empty.
Not Rare—And May Last for Months
A growing number of studies suggests CAC is far from rare.
-A European cohort of nearly 1,900 healthcare workers found new bladder symptoms were two to three times more likely after COVID-19 infection.
-Up to 71% of hospitalized survivors later developed urgency or nighttime urination.
-Many still had symptoms one year later.
Why It Matters
CAC can easily be mistaken for a urinary infection, leading to
unnecessary antibiotics. Doctors warn patients with new bladder symptoms after COVID should request urine testing before treatment.
Current management mirrors overactive bladder care:
bladder training, hydration control, pelvic floor exercises and medications such as anticholinergics or β3-agonists.
Conclusion
COVID-19-Associated Cystitis is emerging as a significant but under-recognized part of long COVID. The growing evidence shows SARS-CoV-2 may continue to irritate the bladder even when tests show no infection. Recognizing the condition early can reduce suffering, prevent medical missteps and guide proper care, especially for older adults. As global infection waves continue, CAC may quietly affect millions, making awareness, diagnosis and research urgent priorities.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Cureus.
https://www.cureus.com/articles/426246-covid-19-associated-cystitis-de-novo-urinary-urgency-following-sars-cov-2#!/
For the latest COVID-19 news, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
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