Chronic forms of inflammatory diseases of the urogenital area are in most cases the result of unprofessional therapy. The disease cannot be eliminated if the symptoms and treatment of cystitis in women do not match. The medications prescribed by the TV ads provide only temporary relief, and after a period of time the disease returns.
The only way to get rid of cystitis is to determine the cause of the disease and undergo full treatment under the supervision of a professional urologist.
Cystitis - caused in women
In medicine, the concept of "cystitis" combines several types of symptomatic pathologies of the urinary tract, in which the mucous membrane of the bladder is damaged. Due to the anatomical peculiarities of the body, women suffer from cystitis several times more often than men.
The work of the bladder is connected with all physiological systems, therefore, functional deviations in the internal organs affect the health of the urogenital sphere of a woman in one way or another.
The development of the inflammatory process can be preceded by:
- viral or bacterial infections - influenza, tonsillitis, sinusitis, Staphylococcus aureus, Trichomonas, E. coli, tooth decay, furunculosis;
- hypothermia;
- allergic reaction;
- hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause;
- acquired diseases - diabetes mellitus, colitis, spinal injuries, nephrological and endocrine pathologies, tumor formations;
- Taking medication;
- decreased immunity;
- anomaly in the development of the organs of the genitourinary system;
- insufficient hygiene of the genital organs;
- acute forms of cystitis most often occur against the background of congestion in the urinary system.
The ways of penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the bladder also differ. In diseases of the upper respiratory tract, the infection spreads throughout the body via the blood. With diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, microbes penetrate from the anus into the urogenital organs. Due to nephrological pathologies, infectious agents move out of the kidneys along with urine.
Factors contributing to the development of cystitis include wearing tight synthetic underwear, a tendency to constipation, frequent changes in sexual partners, unprotected sex, as well as conditions that reduce the potential of the immune system - stress, lack of sleep, excessive exercise , irregular diet.
The main symptoms and signs of the disease
The development of cystitis can be acute or with gradually increasing symptoms. The characteristic signs of cystitis in an acute form are cramps and pain when urinating.
But as the disease progresses, symptoms like:
- Discomfort in the genital and pubic area;
- Itching and burning in the perineum - the result of irritating effects of toxic substances accumulated in the urine;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- pain in the lower abdomen and back, feeling of fullness;
- Headache;
- increased fatigue;
- slight increase in body temperature;
- cloudy urine;
- a strong unpleasant smell of urine;
- feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder;
- The appearance of blood in the urine may indicate the development of complications.
Cystitis of an allergic or infectious nature is accompanied by itching in 95% of cases.
complications of the disease
Due to the high prevalence (pathology is diagnosed in 40% of women worldwide), the severity of the consequences of cystitis is often underestimated.
With proper treatment, provided there are no causes supporting the course of the disease, the symptoms of acute cystitis disappear and the woman's well-being improves significantly. In the absence of the necessary therapeutic effect, the disease takes on a chronic form, fraught with serious health complications.
Chronic cystitis is characterized by damage to most of the lining of the bladder. At the same time, edema and thickening appear in the affected areas, against the background of a decrease in the elasticity of the epithelium.
The progress of the pathological process leads to complications that threaten the health of vital organs and systems:
- in 95% of cases, kidney disease occurs - pyelonephritis, renal failure;
- organic changes in the tissues of the bladder are fraught with a rupture of its walls and the development of peritonitis;
- frequent inflammation is one of the main reasons for the formation of adhesions;
- Decrease in fertility, risk of complete loss of the ability to bear children;
- urethritis;
- tumor processes;
- the formation of ulcers on the walls of the bladder, bleeding;
- urolithiasis disease;
- Muscle damage and loss of tone of bladder tissue, leading to dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
In a woman's body during her life there are periods when a predisposition to the development of cystitis is associated with natural physiological changes.
Periods of susceptibility to cystitis in a woman's life
The first critical phase occurs before the age of three. At this age, children with congenital pathologies of the urinary tract can develop vesicoureteral reflux, in which urine flows back from the bladder to the kidneys. The consequence of the pathology is vulvovaginitis and ascending infection of the bladder.
Puberty is the second period in a woman's life that is important in terms of the degree of predisposition to cystitis. In addition to the hormonal changes associated with puberty, there is also the risk of infection during unprotected sexual intercourse.
Menopause is manifested not only by a decrease in the level of hormones in the female body, but also by a decrease in the protective properties of the mucous membrane of the bladder, as well as a change in its anatomical position. All these changes contribute to the development of inflammation of the urinary tract and other pathologies inherent in cystitis.
diagnostic measures
A medical examination of patients with suspected cystitis involves not only confirming the diagnosis, but also determining the underlying disease that has caused inflammation of the bladder lining.
In addition to examining anamnestic data and symptoms of the disease, urologists use the following diagnostic measures:
- general urinalysis;
- general blood analysis;
- cystoscopy - examination of the bladder through an endoscope;
- analysis of the composition of the microflora of the vagina;
- Ultrasound of the genitourinary system;
- PCR - method of molecular research;
- Bacterial culture of the urine.
In some cases, doctors use information obtained from a biopsy, a microscopic examination of samples of affected tissue, to make a diagnosis.
Medicines for the entire course of treatment of the disease
Treatment of cystitis consists in eliminating not only the inflammation of the lining of the bladder, but also the diseases that support it. The choice of therapeutic methods and means depends on the form of the disease and the pathological processes associated with it.
To stop the symptoms of an acute form of cystitis, the patient is prescribed bed rest, a special diet, heating pads, as well as antispasmodic, antibacterial and diuretic drugs.
The minimum duration of treatment for acute cystitis is 7 days. An interrupted course of treatment is one of the main reasons for the development of a chronic form of cystitis.
antibacterial drugs
The appointment of antibacterial drugs is appropriate for cystitis, the causative agent of which are bacteria.
Among the most effective antibacterial agents:
- Phosphonic antibiotic. Produced in the form of granules. It is taken once in the acute form of cystitis;
- Tablets for cystitis and other acute or chronic urinary tract infections. Belongs to the group of quinolones. The active substance is pipemidic acid;
- A popular antibiotic based on nitrofuran. Relevant for exposure to bacteria whose sensitivity to the drug has been demonstrated by seeding;
- Reserve antibiotic. It is prescribed when the use of other drugs has not shown a therapeutic effect. The active ingredient comes from the group of fluoroquinolones;
- Medicines from the group of oxyquinolines. It is active against most bacteria and Candida fungi;
- An antimicrobial agent from the nitrofuran group that suppresses the activity of bacterial infections. Taking tablets is also useful for prophylaxis in urinary tract diseases.
Taking antibacterial drugs is possible only as directed by a doctor. Despite the high therapeutic effectiveness, modern drugs have many contraindications and can provoke undesirable side effects.
antispasmodics
Means with antispasmodic properties are an indispensable part of restorative and maintenance therapy for cystitis.
The action of antispasmodic drugs is expressed in the elimination of spasms of the smooth muscles of the bladder and the effect of relaxation and pain relief.
Taking antispasmodics makes sense for both acute cystitis and flare-ups of chronic infections.
Anti-inflammatory pills
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is recommended to relieve the inflammation of the bladder lining in cystitis. In addition to eliminating inflammatory processes, the drugs of this group have an analgesic effect, relieving pain and discomfort inherent in the pathology.
phytopreparations
The use of phytopreparations is an effective way to enhance the effect of drug therapy. Herbal remedies are based on natural plant components with biological activity.
- A product containing extracts of oregano herb, carrot seed, hop sprouts, peppermint and Siberian fir leaf oils. Provides antiseptic, antispasmodic and diuretic effects. Available in capsule, syrup or drop form.
- Tablets based on plant extracts with nephrolitic and antimicrobial properties.
- Paste based on orange and fir oils. It has a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect. Prevents the development of urolithiasis.
Reception of phytopreparations is most effective at the initial stage of development of cystitis.
probiotics
As a result of exposure to infectious microorganisms and after taking antibiotics, there may be a decrease in the activity of beneficial microflora.
In order to maintain the natural physiological level of the microflora of the mucous membranes of the intestines and genital organs, it is necessary to use probiotics - dietary supplements containing live cultures of microorganisms.
Treatment of the chronic form of the disease
To get rid of the chronic form of the disease, it is necessary to diagnose all potential foci of infection and provide complex therapy that will suppress the vital activity of pathogens and their consequences.
The main methods of treating chronic cystitis:
- Etiological therapy is aimed at eliminating the causative agent of infection and consists in taking antibacterial drugs;
- Pathogenetic therapy allows you to restore the functions of the immune system, normalize the hormonal background, eliminate the structural pathologies of the internal organs. The main goals of therapy are to restore the natural outflow of urine and eliminate all possible foci of infection. Treatment includes taking immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drugs, and in some cases surgical correction;
- Disease prevention - a set of measures that prevent the possibility of recurrence of infection.
As additional therapeutic measures, physiotherapy is prescribed - electrophoresis, electrical tissue stimulation, laser exposure, as well as special exercises that normalize blood flow to the pelvic organs.
Folk remedies for cystitis in women
The list of folk remedies recommended for treating cystitis includes well-known and affordable herbal remedies: a decoction of dill seeds, millet infusion, teas, infusions and baths of pharmaceutical chamomile, parsley seed infusion and St. John's wort teas.
In addition, lingonberry leaves and cranberries are considered an integral part of home treatment for cystitis.
Due to the unique composition, the lingonberry leaf provides a complex therapeutic effect on the organs of the genitourinary system - antimicrobial, diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Cranberry leaf tea is prepared according to the recipe for making ordinary tea leaves. Take this tea three times a day for half a glass.
The use of cranberry-based drinks provides a powerful healing effect.
Thanks to cranberry proanthocyanidins, berry tea:
- suppresses the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms;
- prevents the sedimentation of pathogens on the walls of the organs of the urinary system;
- relieves inflammation;
- protects the body from fungi and microbes;
- improves the elasticity of blood vessels;
- has an immunomodulatory effect.
Fresh or frozen cranberries are used to prepare a medicinal drink. The berries are crushed, poured with boiling water and kept in a steam bath for 10 minutes. Two cups of a drink with honey added daily improve well-being and health in record time.
nutrition and microflora
Proper nutrition during the treatment of a bladder infection is of particular importance. It depends on what types of products are included in the diet, how quickly it will be possible to eliminate inflammation and begin to restore damaged bladder tissue.
In addition, properly organized nutrition maintains the functionality of the microflora that lives on the mucous membranes of the internal organs. This ensures the elimination and removal of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as the normalization of recovery processes.
The therapeutic diet is based on specially selected products and drinking regime.
It is extremely important that the diet conforms to the following principles:
- all products consumed must have diuretic properties;
- the amount of salt consumed should be reduced to a minimum;
- exclude from the menu spicy, fatty, fried, smoked, sweet and dairy dishes, as well as preservation;
- limit the intake of protein-containing foods;
- When cooking, you should limit yourself to minimal heat treatment.
- strong drinks and alcohol are completely excluded;
- The total amount of liquid drunk per day is at least two liters.
Throughout the treatment, cereals, light vegetable soups, boiled meat and low-fat fish, yogurt, low-fat salted cheese, cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, parsley, pomegranate, watermelon and pear are recommended.
Of the drinks, preference should be given to herbal teas and fruit drinks made from cranberries and cranberries.
Prevention of cystitis
The predisposition to the disease remains the whole life of a woman who has had cystitis at least once.
Preventive measures will help prevent recurrence:
- timely handling of complaints;
- minimizing stress;
- compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- Showering is preferable to a bath;
- regular visits to the gynecologist and urologist, examinations;
- Compliance with the drinking regime.
In the summer, it's important not to miss the opportunity to flush your kidneys and bladder by eating more watermelon.
And most importantly, you should not sacrifice health for beauty and always dress appropriately for the weather, especially in spring and autumn - their heat is deceptive and the risk of getting sick is too high.