Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder.Most often, this disease occurs in women due to the structural features of the urinary tract.The female urethra (urethra) differs from the male urethra in its short length and wide lumen, as well as the absence of bends.This makes it easier for the infection to spread from the external genitals to the bladder.
forms of the disease
Features of the course of the disease make it possible to distinguish between acute and chronic cystitis.In the first case, the pathology occurs suddenly and is characterized by pronounced, vivid symptoms.The chronic form often proceeds in waves, characteristic symptoms appear and disappear, and the process itself drags on over time.This usually happens against the background of existing diseases of the genitourinary system.
The acute form of cystitis forces you to immediately see a doctor.Severe pain is often accompanied by urinary incontinence.With a chronic course, the patient may not be in a hurry, but the situation in this case is much more dangerous.If the inflammation lasts for a long time, the cells in the bladder lining can change, which can ultimately lead to the development of a cancerous tumor.
Both problems can be successfully resolved by consulting a doctor in a timely manner.By following the recommendations of a specialist, the symptoms of acute cystitis can be eliminated in 5-7 days, with chronic inflammation it takes at least 10 days.If the disease progresses in waves, the intervals between attacks are usually around a month.
Causes of cystitis
The main cause of cystitis is pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi.Most often, doctors encounter infections caused by streptococci, staphylococci and E. coli.These microbes can be part of the normal microflora of the external genitalia and enter the urinary tract due to poor hygiene or unprotected sexual intercourse.
Urologists even identify conditional “honeymoon cystitis,” which sometimes occurs in women who have just begun to be sexually active.In this case, the partner's microflora becomes the cause of a strong inflammatory process.
Common causes of illness are also poor hygiene of the external genitalia, thrush (candidiasis) as well as various sexually transmitted diseases and allergies to hygiene products.
Cystitis during menstruation
Menstrual bleeding is another common reason for the development of acute or exacerbation of chronic cystitis.Bloody discharge often contains a large number of bacteria that can enter the bladder.Abdominal pain is often attributed to typical menstrual cramps.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of the disease include:
- frequent, painful urge to urinate;
- Pain or discomfort, bloating in the lower abdomen;
- Burning and pain when urinating and immediately after;
- Change in appearance of urine: cloudiness, blood, mucus.
A doctor's report
With severe inflammation, general symptoms may be added to local symptoms: fever, weakness, chills, headache.If the inflammation has affected not only the mucous membrane of the bladder but also its muscles, the patient may complain of a constant feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and urinary incontinence.The severity of certain symptoms largely depends on the form of the pathology.
Cystitis and pregnancy
Expectant mothers often suffer from bladder infections.The increased tendency to inflammation is explained by a decrease in general and local immunity.This contributes to the aggravation of a variety of dormant diseases, including cystitis.An additional risk factor is the constant compression of the organ by the enlarging uterus, which leads to frequent urge to urinate.
Cystitis is very dangerous for a pregnant woman and her unborn child, as it can cause unpleasant and dangerous complications: pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), arterial hypertension, disruption of fetoplacental blood flow, as well as an increased risk of miscarriage.
Hemorrhagic cystitis
Hemorrhagic cystitis is a special, very serious and dangerous form of the disease that usually occurs against the background of an adenovirus infection.It is characterized by:
- very frequent and painful urination;
- severe abdominal pain radiating to the perineum;
- the appearance of blood in the urine;
- general intoxication, fever.
The appearance of blood in the urine is a signal to immediately seek medical attention.Hemorrhagic cystitis can progress very quickly, rise higher and cause pyelonephritis.In severe cases, the infection enters the blood and spreads throughout the body.Sometimes the disease becomes chronic.
Cystitis in cancer
If a malignant or benign tumor begins to form in the bladder mucosa, this impairs the organ's ability to stretch and triggers the urge to urinate even with a small amount of urine.The disease is rarely accompanied by severe pain and is often characterized by minor symptoms.For this reason, any long-term cystitis requires special attention and a thorough examination of the patient for the presence of an oncological process.
There is also radiation cystitis, which occurs with appropriate therapy.Ionizing radiation causes atrophy of the bladder mucosa and the formation of scars in the bladder wall.This leads to a gradual deterioration in the function of the organ.
Treatment of cystitis
Treatment of cystitis in a professional clinic is carried out under the supervision of experienced urologists.Before prescribing therapy, the doctor comprehensively assesses the patient's condition in order to select the most appropriate methods.Research helps clarify causes and intensity of inflammation:
- general blood and urine analysis;
- bacterial culture in urine;
- cystoscopy (examination of the bladder from the inside using special optics);
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, kidneys, bladder and other examinations.
As a rule, a bladder infection can be treated on an outpatient basis.The patient is on bed or semi-bed rest at home and takes the medications recommended by the doctor, strictly adhering to the schedule and dosage.To eliminate inflammatory phenomena, drugs of different groups can be prescribed:
- Antibiotics selected taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen;
- anti-inflammatory drugs in tablet form, as well as vaginal or rectal suppositories (in this case, the active ingredients are absorbed more quickly through the mucous membrane and reach the focus of inflammation);
- antifungal drugs against the fungal type of disease;
- Physiotherapy: electrophoresis, phonophoresis, UHF, magnetic field therapy, inductotherapy.
It is important to understand that self-medication for cystitis is fraught with the development of complications.The disease can become chronic and lead to kidney inflammation, the formation of hydatid cysts and other problems.For the same reasons, you should not change your medications or stop taking them without permission, even if your condition has improved.
diet
The diet for cystitis is designed to facilitate the functioning of the body and normalize the composition of urine.Ideally, it is necessary to follow a milk-vegetable diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and dairy products.It is recommended to limit fatty and fried foods, spicy and salty foods, and the use of spices as much as possible.Alcohol in any form and dosage is strictly prohibited until treatment is completed.However, clean water should be consumed without restrictions and in larger quantities than usual.
Remember that a bladder infection is not just pain or pain when urinating.An insidious disease can become chronic and become truly dangerous.Experienced specialists from a professional clinic will conduct the necessary examinations, make a diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment to eliminate inflammation in the shortest possible time.Do not delay your doctor's visit;Register at a clinic at the first symptoms.