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. This is an inflammatory pathology of the bladder caused by the entry of pathogenic microflora into the bladder. As a result, bacteria multiply inside the bladder, which causes a number of characteristic symptoms. In rare cases, the disease appears due to allergic or toxic effects.
It is important!
The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. You should always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Often, cystitis occurs in women, which is related to the structural features of the urinary system. According to statistics, more than 30 million cases of disease are detected in our country every year. Moreover, more than half of annual visits to the urologist are associated with acute or chronic inflammation of the bladder.
The treatment of cystitis is aimed at eliminating the existing symptoms and normalizing the work of the entire genitourinary system. In the article, we will talk about the main causes of the pathology, its development symptoms, features of therapy and prevention.
Types of cystitis
Depending on the features of development and course, several types of the disease are distinguished. According to its pathogenesis (that is, the mechanism of development), the following types of cystitis are distinguished:
- Primitive (uncomplicated). It occurs as a separate independent pathology, as a rule, it occurs in relatively healthy patients without urinary disorders.
- Secondary (complex). This can be the result of a violation of the flow of urine in a number of accompanying diseases: for example, urolithiasis or tumor formation 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 on body tissues.
- Toxic. It occurs as a result of negative effects of toxins, drugs, as well as as a result of radiation or chemotherapy.
- Allergic. It is the result of exposure to various allergens.
Taking into account morphological changes, a separate classification of the disease is made:
- catarrhal cystitis. It is characterized by damage to the upper layers of the bladder mucosa. At the same time, swelling and hyperemia occur (a state of increased blood filling in the organ).
- Hemorrhagic. This causes inflammation of the blood vessels that allow blood to enter the urine.
- Ulcerative fibrous. It is characterized by the spread of the inflammatory process to the muscle tissues of the body.
- Gangrenosis. It is associated with the development of necrotic changes in the walls of the bladder.
- Interstitial. The inflammatory process extends to the mucous membrane, submucosa and muscle layer of the body.
A separate form of cystitis is often called the postcoital variety ("honeymoon cystitis"). This variant of the disease occurs after defloration. This is due to vaginal mucus penetrating the urethra.
Acute and chronic (recurrent) cystitis are also distinguished according to the stages of the course. The acute form is characterized by an uncomplicated course and has bright symptoms. If the disease has become chronic, the characteristic symptoms of the patient appear only during periods of exacerbation.
It is important!
The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. You should always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of cystitis can be very different and often depend on the form of the pathology. If we talk about the general symptomatic picture, the following are the most common:
- Frequent urge to urinate (usually about 6-10 times a day).
- Discomfort in the bladder area, a feeling of fullness.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Burning and cutting during urination.
- Discoloration of urine, presence of impurities (blood or mucus).
There are also general signs of intoxication. A woman may experience tremors, weakness, fatigue, fever, and severe sweating. In severe cases, urinary incontinence occurs due to damage to the muscle layer of the bladder.
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, this combination is quite common in women.
Causes of cystitis
The pathology is polyetiological (that is, multi-causal), so several factors contribute to its development. The main reason for the occurrence is the entry of various microorganisms into the bladder. In almost 90% of cases, this is E. coli, which lives in the rectum and is located near the urinary organs. Also, the inflammatory process is caused by other bacteria and microorganisms: Candida fungi, chlamydia, herpes virus, etc.
Pathological organisms can enter the urinary system in various ways. There are the following penetration paths:
- Growing. Most often, pathogenic microflora enters the bladder through the urethra.
- descendingIn this case, microorganisms penetrate through the kidneys (for example, in the case of pyelonephritis).
- Lymphogenic. It is associated with lymph flow, through which organisms enter the bladder from other organs of the small pelvis when they are inflamed.
- Hematogenous. Infection occurs from distant sites of inflammation due to blood flow.
There are several reasons why cystitis is more common in women than in men. These include:
- A special structure of the reproductive system that promotes the spread of bacteria and infections in the urinary system.
- A short urethra located near the anus (where various bacteria collect).
- Frequent hormonal fluctuations that can weaken the body's immunity.
Risk factors
There are factors that increase the risk of developing bladder inflammation. These include:
- Pelvic hypothermia.
- Decreased immunity.
- Constant overwork, frequent stress.
- Violation of intimate hygiene rules.
- Tendency to constipation.
- Abuse of hot and spicy foods.
- Stagnation in the pelvic organs.
- Chronic pathologies of the genitourinary system.
- Alcohol abuse.
- Congenital pathologies of 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, changes in hormonal levels, an increase in the size of the uterus and a deterioration in the blood supply to the bladder.
Also, the disease is often diagnosed in menopausal patients. After the age of 50-55, the level of estrogen decreases, which often leads to a weakening of the lining of the bladder.
In many patients, acute or chronic cystitis manifests itself during menstruation. This is due to bacteria entering the urethra with menstrual blood. The following factors can cause such a situation during menstruation:
- Thrush or other infectious pathologies.
- Inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs.
- Decreased general immunity.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
- Allergic reaction to tampons or tampons.
- Non-compliance with hygiene rules.
Features of treatment
The diagnosis of "cystitis" is made based on the patient's complaints and examination by a urologist or gynecologist, and some analyzes and instrumental examinations are also mandatory.
The doctor prescribes to the woman:
- general urinalysis;
- clinical blood test;
- urine culture, bacteriological examination (if complicated cystitis is suspected).
With a repeated course of the disease, smearing and smearing of vaginal discharge, analysis of antibodies against the herpes virus, scrapings from the urethra and cervical canal can be determined. These procedures help identify factors that cause relapses.
Instrumental methods are also important in the diagnosis of pathology. Among them:
- Ultrasound of the pelvis and bladder.
- MRI of the genitourinary system.
- Cystoscopy with biopsy (with a complex or repeated course).
Such diagnostic procedures allow to determine the presence of pathology and the causes of its occurrence. Based on the information obtained, a specialist can design a treatment regimen for cystitis. Therapy is based on an integrated approach aimed at achieving the following goals:
- Antibacterial and symptomatic therapy, elimination of existing symptoms.
- Prevention of possible complications.
- Prevention of recurrence of pathology.
Antibacterial and symptomatic therapy includes taking various drugs. These are painkillers, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics, etc. can be. The purpose of their application is to relieve symptoms and eliminate the existing inflammatory process. In addition, the doctor can prescribe immunomodulators or multivitamin complexes. If cystitis recurs, bacteriophage-based preparations are often used.
In addition, it is possible to prescribe various physiotherapeutic methods. Among them:
- Electrophoresis. It helps to eliminate inflammation and reduces cramps.
- Magnetotherapy. Eliminates bacteria and viruses in the inflamed body.
- Inductotherapy. It helps normalize blood flow, normalizes the urinary system.
In addition, the patient is advised to follow several rules:
- Exclude spicy, spicy and salty foods, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and sweets from the diet.
- Refrain from sexual intercourse during the treatment period.
- Drink enough water (sour fruit drinks and urological fees are also recommended).
- Avoid physical activity (including swimming in pools and ponds).
It is important!Traditional medical methods do not have proven effectiveness, so they can only be used in combination with drugs. You can not use folk remedies yourself - be sure to consult your doctor!
Treatment takes place on an outpatient basis with some exceptions. Sometimes hospitalization of the patient is required, indications for this may be:
- Severe course of the disease.
- The presence of serious concomitant diseases (for example, diabetes mellitus).
- The occurrence of complications.
- Decompensated heart failure.
- Failure 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. Acute cystitis in women is also characterized by symptoms such as severe pain, burning during urination, signs of intoxication and fever.
During the first day, there is a rapid increase in symptoms and an increase in the number of urinations. Intervals between urination can be reduced to 5-15 minutes. At the same time, calls occur both during the day and at night.
The condition may be accompanied by the appearance of blood in the urine and purulent discharge. The acute form of pathology lasts an average of 7-10 days, in the absence of proper treatment, the disease becomes chronic with stages of exacerbation.
Symptoms and treatment of chronic cystitis
This stage develops as a result of incorrect and / or untimely treatment of the inflammatory process. Often, the pathology is the result of self-medication and uncontrolled drugs.
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 accompanied by remission, during which there are no problems with urination. However, symptoms similar to the acute form appear during exacerbations. There is frequent urination with pain and pain, blood or purulent discharge is often seen in the urine.
In the treatment of chronic cystitis, it is important to eliminate the factors that cause constant relapses. For example, during menopause and in case of hormonal disorders, 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 a timely visit to the doctor. As a rule, therapy in such cases does not last more than 10-12 days. However, if there is no medical help and if the doctor's recommendations are not followed, the patient may develop 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.
Prophylactic therapy is recommended for patients with frequently recurring cystitis (more than 3 exacerbations per year) to prevent possible complications. This involves taking antibiotics in small doses, but such treatment is carried out only as prescribed by the doctor.
Disease prevention
In most cases, simple preventive measures help prevent the development of cystitis. Including, it is necessary:
- Proper hygiene of the external genitalia.
- Observe hygiene during sexual activity.
- Drink plenty of clean water daily.
- Eliminate any provoking factors (stress, hypothermia, a lot of spicy and spicy food).
- Consult a doctor in time and do not treat diseases of the pelvic organs yourself.
It should be remembered that during cystitis it is forbidden to visit a bath / sauna or to overheat the body in any way (including using heating pads under the abdomen). When the disease has a bacterial form, the reproduction of pathogenic microflora can be provoked. And this increases the risk of developing an abscess. If the disease has a different nature, warming the tissues will accelerate blood microcirculation. This can cause blood to enter the urine and increase pain.
Regular emptying of the bladder and bowels is important in preventing cystitis. Also, a woman is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, to include physical activity in her daily routine. This will remove congestion in the pelvic organs and normalize the process of urination.
Cystitis is a very unpleasant disease, because it has a rapid course and can affect the quality of life. However, a correct and rational approach to treatment allows to quickly eliminate all symptoms of the disease and avoid various complications. In this case, the most important thing is not to self-medicate and not to delay consulting a doctor.
It is important!
The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. You should always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.