Urinary tract infections are commonly referred to as what?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly referred to as cystitis when they specifically affect the bladder. Cystitis is the inflammation of the bladder and is often caused by a bacterial infection, which is the most prevalent reason for UTIs in both humans and animals. This term specifically focuses on the bladder aspect of the urinary tract, whereas the other terms listed refer to different components of the urinary system or related conditions.

Urethritis refers to inflammation of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body, and is not a general term for urinary tract infections. Nephritis is an inflammation of the kidneys, and while it can be related to UTIs, it is a distinct condition that usually refers to kidney infections specifically. Pyelonephritis indicates a kidney infection, which often arises from an untreated bladder infection but refers to inflammation of the kidney itself. Thus, the correct terminology for a UTI, particularly when it starts at the bladder level, is cystitis.