Cystitis is one of the most frequently diagnosed diseases in the field of urology. This is the number 1 urological disease that almost every woman faces at least once in her life. It is an inflammatory pathology of the bladder, which appears due to the entry of pathogenic microflora into the bladder. As a result, bacteria multiply inside the bladder, which leads to a series of characteristic symptoms. In rare cases, the disease appears due to allergic or toxic effects.
Important!
The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For proper diagnosis and treatment, you should always consult a 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 every year in our country. In addition, more than half of annual visits to the urologist are associated with acute or chronic inflammation of the bladder.
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 the pathology, signs of its development, features of therapy and prevention.
Types of cystitis
Depending on the characteristics of development and course, several types of the disease are distinguished. According to the pathogenesis (i. e. , the mechanism of development), the following types of cystitis are distinguished:
- Primary (uncomplicated). It occurs as a separate independent pathology, as a rule, it occurs in relatively healthy patients who do not have disorders of urine flow.
- Secondary (complex). It can be the result of a violation of urine flow in a number of accompanying diseases: for example, urolithiasis or tumor formations in the pelvic organs.
Depending on the etiology (causes of development), the following types of cystitis can be distinguished:
- Infectious. It is the result of bacterial action in the tissues of the organ.
- Toxic. It occurs as a result of the negative effects of toxins, drugs, as well as due to radiation or chemotherapy.
- Allergic. It is a consequence of exposure to various allergens.
A special classification of the disease is carried out 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 hyperemia (state of increased blood filling of the organ) occur.
- Hemorrhagic. It leads to inflammation of the vessels, which causes blood to seep into the urine.
- Ulcerative fibrosis. It is characterized by the spread of the inflammatory process in the muscle tissues of the organ.
- Gangrenous. It is accompanied by the development of necrotic changes in the walls of the bladder.
- Interstitial. The inflammatory process extends to the mucosa of the organ, the submucosa and the muscle layer.
A special form of cystitis is often called the postcoital variety ("honeymoon cystitis"). This variant of the disease occurs after defloration. This is due to the penetration of vaginal mucus into the urethra.
Also, according to the stages of progress, acute and chronic (recurrent) cystitis are distinguished. The acute form is characterized by an uncomplicated course and has vivid symptoms. If the disease has become chronic, then the characteristic symptoms of the patient appear only during periods of deterioration.
Important!
The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For proper diagnosis and treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
Symptoms of the disease
The signs of cystitis can be very different and often depend on the form of the pathology. If we talk about the general symptomatic picture, then the following is the most common:
- Frequent urge to urinate (normally the number of urinations during the day is about 6-10 times).
- Discomfort in the bladder area, a feeling of fullness.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Burning and cutting during urination.
- Change in urine color, presence of impurities (blood or mucus).
There are also general symptoms of intoxication. A woman may experience chills, weakness, fatigue, fever, heavy sweating. In severe cases, due to damage to the muscular layer of the bladder, urinary incontinence occurs.
Cystitis can become a manifestation of any urological disease, so the clinical picture depends mainly 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
The pathology is one of the polyetiological ones (that is, multicausal), so several factors contribute to its development. The main cause of the appearance is the entry of various microorganisms into the bladder. In almost 90% of cases, it is about E. coli, which lives in the rectum and is located near the urinary organs. Also, the inflammatory process is caused by bacteria and other microorganisms: Candida fungi, chlamydia, herpes virus, etc.
Pathological organisms can enter the urinary system in different ways. There are the following ways of penetration:
- On the way up. It happens more often, pathogenic microflora enters the bladder through the urethra.
- descending. In this case, microorganisms penetrate from the kidneys (for example, in the presence of pyelonephritis).
- Lymphogenic. Associated with the lymphatic flow, through which organisms enter the bladder from other organs of the small pelvis, in the presence of inflammation in them.
- Hematogenous. Infection occurs from distant inflammatory foci due to blood flow.
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.
- A short urethra, which is located near the anus (place where various bacteria accumulate).
- Frequent hormonal fluctuations, which can weaken the body's immunity.
Risk factors
There are factors that increase the risk of developing bladder inflammation. This includes:
- Hypothermia of pelvic organs.
- Decreased immunity.
- Constant overwork, frequent stress.
- Violation of the rules of intimate hygiene.
- 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 10th pregnant girl experiences symptoms of bladder inflammation. This condition leads to a decrease in general immunity, a change in hormonal levels, an increase in the size of the uterus and a deterioration of the blood supply to the bladder.
Also, the disease is often diagnosed in menopausal patients. Above the age of 50-55, estrogen levels drop, which often leads to a weakening of the lining of the bladder.
In many patients, acute or chronic cystitis occurs during menstruation. This is due to bacteria entering the urethra along with menstrual blood. The following factors can provoke such a condition during menstruation:
- Thrush or other infectious pathologies.
- Inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.
- Decreased overall immunity.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
- Allergic reaction to tampons or tampons.
- Non-compliance with hygiene rules.
Features of treatment
The diagnosis of "cystitis" is made on the basis of the patient's complaints and examination by a urologist or gynecologist, as well as some instrumental analyzes and examinations are mandatory.
The doctor prescribes to the woman:
- general analysis of urine;
- clinical blood test;
- urine culture, bacteriological examination (if complicated cystitis is suspected).
With a repeated course of the disease, a smear and seeding of the vaginal discharge, an analysis for antibodies to the herpes virus, scrapings from the urethra and cervical canal may be prescribed. These procedures help identify factors that provoke relapse.
Instrumental techniques are 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 repeated progress).
Such diagnostic procedures allow you to determine the presence of pathology and the causes of its occurrence. Based on the data obtained, a specialist can design a treatment regimen for cystitis. Therapy is based on an integrated approach, which aims to achieve the following goals:
- Carrying out antibacterial and symptomatic therapy, eliminating existing symptoms.
- Prevention of possible complications.
- Prevention of recurrence of pathology.
Antibacterial and symptomatic therapy includes taking various medications. These can be sedative, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, etc. The purpose of their administration is to relieve symptoms and eliminate the existing inflammatory process. In addition, the doctor can prescribe immunomodulators or multivitamin complexes. If cystitis is recurrent, bacteriophage-based preparations are often used.
In addition, it is possible to prescribe various physiotherapeutic methods. Among them:
- Electrophoresis. It helps relieve inflammation and reduces cramps.
- Magnetotherapy. Eliminates bacteria and viruses in the inflamed organ.
- Inductotherapy. It contributes to the normalization of blood circulation, normalizes the urinary system.
Also, the patient is recommended to follow some rules:
- Exclude from the diet spicy, spicy and salty foods, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and sweets.
- Refuse sexual intercourse for the treatment period.
- Drink enough water (sour fruit drinks and urological fees are also recommended).
- Refuse physical activity (including swimming in pools and ponds).
Important!Traditional medicine methods have no proven effectiveness, therefore, they can only be used in combination with medications. You can not use folk remedies on your own - be sure to consult your doctor!
Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, with some exceptions. Sometimes hospitalization of the patient is required, the indications for this may be:
- Severe course of the disease.
- The presence of serious concomitant diseases (for example, diabetes mellitus).
- The appearance of complications.
- Decompensated heart failure.
- Ineffectiveness of continuous antibiotic therapy.
Symptoms and treatment of acute cystitis
The acute form develops rapidly against the background of the patient's relative health. The main symptom is frequent urination. Acute cystitis in women is also characterized by symptoms such as severe pain, burning during urination, symptoms of intoxication and fever.
There is a rapid increase in symptoms and an increase in the number of urinations during the first day. Intervals between urination can be reduced to 5-15 minutes. At the same time, urges occur both during the day and at night.
The condition can be accompanied by the appearance of blood in the urine and purulent discharge. The acute form of the pathology lasts on average up to 7-10 days, without proper treatment, the disease becomes chronic with phases of irritation.
Symptoms and treatment of chronic cystitis
This stage develops as a result of incorrect and/or premature treatment of the inflammatory process. Often, the pathology is the result of self-medication and uncontrolled medication.
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 system.
The danger of chronic cystitis is that it appears without significant symptoms. A woman may experience exacerbations followed by remission, during which there are no problems with urination. However, during exacerbations, symptoms similar to the acute form appear. There is frequent urination with pain and pain, blood or purulent discharge often appears in the urine.
In the treatment of chronic cystitis, it is important to eliminate factors that repeatedly cause relapses. For example, during menopause and in the presence of hormonal disorders, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed. In some cases, surgery may be required to correct congenital defects in the urinary system.
Possible complications
The key to successful treatment of cystitis is a timely visit to the doctor. As a rule, in such cases, the therapy lasts no more than 10-12 days. However, in the absence of medical care and non-compliance with the doctor's recommendations, the patient may experience a chronic form of the disease. In this case, complications are not excluded, including:
- pyelonephritis;
- paracystitis;
- abscess;
- urinary incontinence;
- violation of the reproductive function of the body.
Preventive therapy is recommended for patients with frequently recurring 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 directed by a doctor.
Disease prevention
In most cases, simple preventive measures help to avoid the development of cystitis. Including, it is necessary:
- Proper hygiene of the external genitalia.
- Observe hygiene during sexual activity.
- Drink enough clean water every day.
- Eliminate any provoking factors (stress, hypothermia, a large amount of spicy and spicy foods).
- Seek medical attention in a timely manner and do not treat diseases of the pelvic organs yourself.
It is also important to remember that during cystitis it is forbidden to visit a bath / sauna or somehow overheat the body (including the use of heating pads on the lower abdomen). In the presence of a bacterial form of the disease, reproduction of pathogenic microflora can be provoked. And this increases the risk of developing an abscess. If the disease is of a different nature, then warming the tissues will accelerate blood microcirculation. This can cause blood to enter the urine and increase pain.
In the prevention of cystitis, regular emptying of the bladder and bowels is important. Also, a woman is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, to include physical activity in the daily routine. This will eliminate the overload in the pelvic organs and normalize the urination process.
Cystitis is an extremely unpleasant disease, as it has a rapid course and can affect the quality of life. However, the correct and rational approach to treatment allows you to quickly eliminate all 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.
Important!
The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For proper diagnosis and treatment, you should always consult a doctor.