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 occurs due to the entry of pathogenic microflora into the bladder. As a result, bacteria multiply inside the bladder, which leads to a number 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 correct 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 in our country every year. In addition, more than half of annual visits to the urologist are associated with acute or chronic bladder inflammation.
Treatment of cystitis aims to eliminate existing symptoms and normalize 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 features of development and course, various types of the disease 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, it occurs in relatively healthy patients who do not have urinary flow disorders.
- Secondary (complicated). It can be the result of a violation of the flow of urine in various concomitant diseases: for example, urolithiasis or tumor formations in Organs pelvic organs.
Depending on the etiology (causes 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 as a result of the adverse effects of toxins, drugs, as well as due to radiation or chemotherapy.
- Allergic. It becomes a consequence of exposure to various allergens.
A separate classification of the disease is carried out taking into account 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. This leads to inflammation of the vessels, which causes blood to penetrate the urine.
- Ulcerative fibrous. It is characterized by the spread of the inflammatory process to the muscle tissues of the organ.
- Gangrenous. Associated with the development of necrotic changes in the walls of the bladder.
- Interstitial. The inflammatory process extends to the organ mucosa, submucosa and muscular layer.
A separate form of cystitis is often called the postcoital variety ("honeymoon cystitis"). This variant of the disease occurs after deflowering. This is due to the penetration of vaginal mucus into the urethra.
Also, according to the stages of the course, 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, the patient's characteristic symptoms appear only during periods of exacerbation.
Important!
The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For correct diagnosis and treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
disease symptoms
The signs of cystitis can be very diverse and often depend on the form of the pathology. If we talk about the general symptom picture, the following is more common:
- Frequent urge to urinate (usually the number of urinations during the day is about 6-10 times).
- Discomfort in the bladder area, 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, intense sweating. In severe cases, due to damage to the muscular layer of the bladder, urinary incontinence occurs.
Cystitis can become a manifestation of any urologic disease, so the clinical picture largely depends on the nature of the underlying pathology. In addition, 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 (that is, multicausal), so several factors contribute to its development. The main cause of the occurrence is the entry into the bladder of various microorganisms. In almost 90% of cases, it is E. coli, which lives in the rectum and is located near the urinary organs. In addition, the inflammatory process is caused by other bacteria and microorganisms: Candida fungi, chlamydia, herpes virus, etc.
Pathological organisms can enter the urinary system in a number of ways. There are the following forms of penetration:
- ascending. Most often, pathogenic microflora enter the bladder through the urethra.
- downward. In this case, microorganisms penetrate the kidneys (for example, in the presence of pyelonephritis).
- Lymphogenic. Associated with lymphatic flow, through which organisms enter the bladder from other organs of the small pelvis, in the presence of inflammation in them.
- Hematogenic. Infection occurs from distant inflammatory foci due to blood flow.
There are several reasons why cystitis is more common in women than 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, located near the anus (a 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. These include:
- Hypothermia of Organs pelvic organs.
- Decreased immunity.
- Constant overwork, frequent stress.
- Violation of intimate hygiene rules.
- Tendency to constipation.
- Abuse of spicy and spicy foods.
- Stagnation in Organs pelvic organs.
- Chronic pathologies of the genitourinary system.
- Alcohol abuse.
- Congenital pathologies of Organs urinary organs.
Another factor for the development of such an infection is pregnancy. According to statistics, every 10 pregnant women have symptoms of bladder inflammation. This condition leads to a decrease in general immunity, a change in hormone levels, an increase in the size of the uterus, and a deterioration in the blood supply to the bladder.
In addition, 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 bladder lining.
In many patients, acute or chronic cystitis manifests itself during menstruation. This is due to bacteria entering the urethra along with menstrual blood. The following factors can cause such a condition during menstruation:
- Canker sores or other infectious pathologies.
- Inflammatory processes in Organs pelvic organs.
- Decreased general immunity.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
- Allergic reaction to pads or tampons.
- Failure to comply with hygiene rules.
Treatment features
The diagnosis of "cystitis" is made based on the patient's complaints and examination by a urologist or gynecologist, and some tests and instrumental tests are also 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 recurrent course of the disease, a smear and seeding of vaginal discharge, an analysis of antibodies to the herpes virus, scrapings of the urethra and cervical canal may be prescribed. These procedures help to identify the factors that cause relapses.
Instrumental techniques are also important in the diagnosis of pathology. Between them:
- Ultrasound of Organs pelvic organs and bladder.
- MRI of the genitourinary system.
- Cystoscopy with biopsy (with complicated or recurrent course).
Such diagnostic procedures make it possible to determine the presence of pathology and the causes of its occurrence. Based on the data obtained, a specialist can devise a treatment regimen for cystitis. The therapy is based on an integrated approach, which aims to achieve the following objectives:
- Carrying out antibacterial and symptomatic therapy, eliminating existing symptoms.
- Prevention of possible complications.
- Prevention of recurrence of the pathology.
Antibacterial and symptomatic therapy includes taking various medications. They can be analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, etc. The purpose of its administration is to relieve symptoms and eliminate the existing inflammatory process. In addition, the doctor may 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. Between them:
- Electrophoresis. It helps relieve inflammation and reduces cramps.
- Magnetotherapy. Eliminates bacteria and viruses in the inflamed organ.
- Inductotherapy. Contributes to the normalization of blood flow, normalizes the urinary system.
In addition, the patient is recommended to follow several rules:
- Exclude spicy, spicy and salty foods, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and sweets from the diet.
- Refusing sexual intercourse during the treatment period.
- Drink plenty of water (acidic fruit drinks and urological rates 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 medicines. You cannot use folk remedies on your own - consult your doctor!
Treatment is outpatient, with some exceptions. Sometimes hospitalization of the patient is necessary, indications for this may be:
- Severe course of the disease.
- The presence of serious concomitant diseases (eg, diabetes mellitus).
- The occurrence of complications.
- Decompensated heart failure.
- Ineffectiveness of ongoing antibiotic therapy.
Symptoms and treatment of acute cystitis
The acute form develops rapidly in the context of the patient's relative health. The main symptom is frequent urination. Also for acute cystitis in women, symptoms like severe pain, burning when urinating, symptoms of intoxication and fever are characteristic.
There is a rapid increase in symptoms and an increase in the number of urination during the first day. Intervals between urinations can be shortened to 5-15 minutes. At the same time, impulses occur 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 the pathology lasts on average up to 7-10 days, without the lack of adequate treatment, the disease becomes chronic with phases of exacerbation.
Symptoms and treatment of chronic cystitis
This phase develops as a result of incorrect and/or untimely treatment of the inflammatory process. Pathology is often 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 systems.
The danger of chronic cystitis is that it occurs without pronounced 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 the factors that constantly cause relapses. For example, during menopause and in the presence of hormonal disorders, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed. In some cases, surgery may be necessary 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, in such cases, therapy takes no more than 10-12 days. However, in the absence of medical care and failure to comply with the doctor's recommendations, the patient may have 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 this treatment is performed only as directed by a doctor.
Disease prevention
In most cases, simple preventive measures help to prevent cystitis from developing. It is even necessary:
- Proper hygiene of the external genitals.
- Observe hygiene during sexual activity.
- Drink plenty of clean water daily.
- Eliminate any provoking factors (stress, hypothermia, a lot of spicy and spicy foods).
- Seek timely medical attention and do not treat pelvic organ diseases on your own.
It is also important to remember that during cystitis it is forbidden to visit a bath/sauna or in any way 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 that increases the risk of developing an abscess. If the disease is of a different nature, heating the tissues will accelerate blood microcirculation. This can cause blood to enter the urine and increase pain.
In preventing cystitis, regular emptying of the bladder and bowels is important. In addition, it is recommended that a woman lead an active lifestyle, include physical activity in her daily routine. This will eliminate congestion in Organs pelvic organs and normalize the urination process.
Cystitis is an extremely unpleasant disease as it has a rapid course and can affect 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 correct diagnosis and treatment, you should always consult a doctor.