Cystitis is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases in the field of urology. This is the number 1 urinary tract disease that almost every woman encounters at least once in her life. This is an inflammatory pathology of the bladder, which occurs due to the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the bladder. As a result, bacteria multiply inside the bladder, leading to a number of characteristic symptoms. In rare cases, the disease appears due to an allergic or toxic effect.
Importance!
The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, you should always consult your doctor.
Most often, cystitis occurs in women, which is associated with structural features of the urinary system. According to statistics, more than 30 million cases of the disease are detected in our country every year. Furthermore, more than half of annual urologist visits are associated with cystitis in an acute or chronic form.
Treatment of cystitis is aimed at eliminating existing symptoms and normalizing the functioning of the entire genitourinary system. In the article we will talk about the main causes of pathology, signs of its development, features of therapy and prevention.
Types of cystitis
Depending on the features of the development and course, several types of diseases are distinguished. According to the pathogenesis (that is, the mechanism of development), cystitis of the following type is distinguished:
- Primary (uncomplicated). It occurs as a separate independent pathology, as a rule, occurs in relatively healthy patients without disturbances of urine flow.
- Secondary (complex). It can be the result of a violation of the outflow of urine in several simultaneous diseases: for example, urolithiasis or tumor formation in the pelvic organs.
Depending on the etiology (the cause of development), the following types of cystitis can be distinguished:
- Infectious. It becomes the result of bacterial action on the tissues of the organ.
- Toxic. It occurs due to the adverse effects of poisons, drugs, as well as radiation or chemotherapy.
- Allergy. Become a consequence of exposure to various allergens.
A separate classification of the disease is made taking into account the morphological changes:
- catarrhal cystitis. It is characterized by damage to the upper layers of the bladder mucosa. With it, swelling and congestion occur (an increase in the amount of blood that fills the organ).
- Hemorrhage. It leads to inflammation of the vessels, causing the ingress of blood into the urine.
- Fibrocystic ulcer. It is characterized by the spread of the inflammatory process to the muscular tissues of the organ.
- Haemorrhage. Involves the development of necrotic changes in the walls of the bladder.
- Interleaved. The inflammatory process extends to the mucosa of the tissue, the submucosa, and the muscle layer.
A separate form of cystitis is often referred to as the postpartum form ("honeymoon cystitis"). Variations of this disease occur after disintegration. This is due to the penetration of vaginal mucus into the urethra.
In addition, according to the stages of the course, acute and chronic (relapse) cystitis are distinguished. The acute form is characterized by an uncomplicated course and vivid symptoms. If the disease has become chronic, the patient's characteristic symptoms appear only during exacerbations.
Importance!
The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, you should always consult your doctor.
Symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of cystitis can vary widely and often depend on the form of the disease. If we talk about the general symptom picture, the following are the most common:
- Frequent urination (normally the number of times a day is about 6-10 times).
- Discomfort in the bladder area, feeling of fullness.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Burn and cut when urinating.
- Change in color of urine, presence of impurities (blood or mucus).
There are also general symptoms of intoxication. The woman may experience chills, weakness, fatigue, fever, and profuse sweating. In some severe cases, the muscle layer of the bladder is damaged, resulting in urinary incontinence.
Cystitis can become a manifestation of any urological pathology, therefore, the clinical picture largely depends on the nature of the underlying pathology. In addition, the symptoms of the disease may include signs of inflammatory diseases of the organs of the reproductive system. Unfortunately, in women, this combination is extremely common.
Causes of cystitis
Pathology is one of multiple (that is, multifactorial) pathologies, so several factors contribute to its development. The main cause of occurrence is the entry into the bladder by various microorganisms. In nearly 90% of cases, this is E. coli, which lives in the rectum and is located near the urinary organs. In addition, the inflammatory process is also caused by other bacteria and microorganisms: Candida, chlamydia, herpes viruses, etc. v.
Pathogenic organisms can enter the urinary system in a variety of ways. There are the following ways to access:
- Ascending. It occurs most often, pathogenic microorganisms enter the bladder through the urethra.
- decrease. In this case, microorganisms enter from the kidney (for example, in the presence of pyelonephritis).
- Lymph nodes. Involves the lymphatic outflow, through which organisms enter the bladder from other organs of the small pelvis, in the presence of inflammation in them.
- Hematology. Infection occurs from distant foci of inflammation due to bleeding.
There are several reasons why cystitis is more common in women than in men. These include the following:
- The special structure of the reproductive system, which contributes to the spread of bacteria and infections in the urinary system.
- The urethra is short, located near the anus (where many bacteria accumulate).
- Frequent hormonal fluctuations, which can weaken the body's immunity.
Risk factors
There are factors that increase your risk of developing cystitis. Including:
- Hypothermia of the pelvic organs.
- Reduced immunity.
- Constantly overworked, often stressed.
- Violation of the rules of intimate hygiene.
- There is a tendency to constipation.
- Abuse of spicy and spicy foods.
- Stagnation in the pelvic organs.
- Chronic pathologies of the genitourinary system.
- Alcohol abuse.
- Congenital pathologies of the urinary organs.
Another factor for the development of such an infection is pregnancy. According to statistics, every 10 pregnant girls experience symptoms of cystitis. This condition leads to a general decrease in immunity, changes in hormone levels, an increase in the size of the uterus, and a decrease in blood supply to the bladder.
In addition, the disease is often diagnosed in patients during menopause. Over the age of 50-55, estrogen levels drop, often leading to a weakening of the bladder lining.
In many patients, acute or chronic cystitis presents with menstruation. It is caused by bacteria entering the urethra along with menstrual blood. The following factors can cause such a condition during menstruation:
- Thrush or other infectious diseases.
- Inflammatory process in the pelvic organs.
- Reduced general immunity.
- Sexually transmitted diseases.
- Allergic reaction to pads or tampons.
- Non-compliance with hygiene rules.
Features of treatment
The diagnosis of "cystitis" is made on the basis of the patient's complaint and an examination by a urologist or gynecologist, and a number of laboratory and instrumental examinations are also required.
Doctors prescribe for pregnant women:
- general urinalysis;
- clinical blood test;
- urinalysis, bacteriological examination (if complicated cystitis is suspected).
With recurrence of the disease, smears and vaginal discharges, analysis for antibodies to the herpes virus, curettage from the urethra and cervical canal may be indicated. These procedures help identify triggers for recurrence.
Instrumental technique is also important in the diagnosis of pathology. Among them:
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs and bladder.
- MRI of the genitourinary system.
- Cystoscopy with biopsy (with complicated or recurrent course).
Such diagnostic procedures allow you to determine the presence of pathology and the cause of its occurrence. Based on the data obtained, the specialist can recommend a treatment regimen for cystitis. Therapy is based on an integrative approach, which aims to achieve the following goals:
- Carry out antibacterial and symptomatic therapy, eliminating existing symptoms.
- Prevention of possible complications.
- Prevention of disease recurrence.
Antimicrobial therapy and symptomatic treatment include taking a variety of medications. These can be pain relievers, antibacterial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics. . . In addition, the doctor may prescribe immunomodulatory drugs or multivitamin complexes. If cystitis recurs, probiotic-based preparations are often used.
In addition, different physical therapy methods may be prescribed. Among them:
- Electrophoresis. Helps reduce inflammation and relieve cramps.
- Magnetic therapy. Eliminate bacteria and viruses in the inflamed organ.
- Electrotherapy. Contributes to the normalization of blood flow, normalization of the urinary system.
In addition, patients are recommended to follow a number of rules:
- Exclude spicy, spicy and salty foods, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and sweets from the diet.
- Refuse to have sex during treatment.
- Drink enough water (sour fruit drinks and urinary charges are also recommended).
- Refusal of physical activity (including swimming in pools and ponds).
Importance!Traditional medicine methods have not been proven effective, so they can only be used in combination with drugs. You can not use folk remedies on your own - be sure to consult a doctor!
Treatment occurs on an outpatient basis, with some exceptions. Sometimes patients are required to be hospitalized, indications for this may be:
- Severe course of the disease.
- Presence of serious comorbidities (eg, diabetes mellitus).
- Presence of complications.
- Decompensated heart failure.
- Ineffectiveness of ongoing antibiotic therapy.
Symptoms and treatment of acute cystitis
The acute form develops rapidly against the background of the relative health of the patient. The main symptom is frequent urination. As for acute cystitis in women, there are often symptoms such as severe pain, burning when urinating, symptoms of intoxication and fever.
There is a rapid increase in symptoms and an increase in the number of urinations during the first day. The interval between urination can be reduced to 5-15 minutes. At the same time, the urge occurs both during the day and at night.
This condition may be accompanied by the appearance of blood in the urine and discharge of pus. The acute form of the disease lasts up to 7-10 days on average, without proper treatment, the disease becomes chronic with exacerbations.
Symptoms and treatment of chronic cystitis
This stage develops due to improper and / or untimely treatment of the inflammatory process. Often, the pathology is the result of self-medication and uncontrolled medication intake.
In addition, the chronic form can be the result of other diseases of the genitourinary system. Cystitis is often diagnosed in patients with pyelonephritis, vulvovaginitis and various infections of the reproductive and urinary systems.
The danger of chronic cystitis is that it occurs without obvious symptoms. A woman may experience exacerbations followed by remission, where there are no problems with urination. However, during an exacerbation, the symptoms are similar to those of the acute one. Frequent urination accompanied by pain and burning sensation, often blood or pus appears in the urine.
In the treatment of chronic cystitis, it is important to eliminate the factors that cause the disease to continue to recur. For example, during menopause and with hormonal disturbances, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct birth defects in the urinary system.
Possible complications
The key to successful treatment of cystitis is to see your doctor promptly. As a rule, in such cases, therapy takes no more than 10-12 days. However, in the absence of medical care and failure to follow the doctor's recommendations, the patient may experience a chronic form of the disease. In this case, complications cannot be ruled out, including:
- pyelonephritis;
- inflammation of the seminal vesicles;
- abscess;
- urinary incontinence;
- violation of the reproductive function of the body.
Prophylactic treatment is recommended for patients with frequent recurrent cystitis (more than 3 exacerbations per year) to prevent possible complications. It involves taking small doses of antibiotics, but such treatment is carried out only as prescribed by a doctor.
Disease prevention
In most cases, simple preventive measures help avoid the development of cystitis. Included, it is necessary:
- Proper hygiene of the external genitalia.
- Observe hygiene during sexual activity.
- Drink enough clean water every day.
- Eliminate any triggers (stress, hypothermia, large amounts of spicy and spicy foods).
- Seek prompt medical attention and do not arbitrarily treat diseases of the pelvic organs.
Also remember that during cystitis it is not allowed to take a bath/sauna or to heat the body in any way (including the use of heating pads in the lower abdomen). When there is a form of pathogenic bacteria, it is possible to stimulate the reproduction of pathogenic microflora. And this increases the risk of developing an abscess. If the disease is of a different nature, then heating the tissues accelerates blood microcirculation. This can cause blood to pass into the urine and increase pain.
In preventing cystitis, regular bladder and bowel emptying is important. In addition, a woman is encouraged to lead an active lifestyle, including physical activity in her daily routine. This will remove the blockage in the pelvic organs and normalize the process of urination.
Cystitis is an extremely uncomfortable illness that progresses quickly and can affect quality of life. However, the correct and rational method of treatment allows you to quickly eliminate all the symptoms of the disease and avoid various complications. The most important thing in this case is not to self-medicate and not to delay contacting a doctor.
Importance!
The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, you should always consult your doctor.