Cystitis is one of the most frequently diagnosed diseases in the field of urology. It 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, which occurs due to the entry of pathogenic microflora into the bladder. As a result, bacteria multiply in the bladder, which leads to a number of characteristic symptoms. In rare cases, the disease manifests itself due to allergic or toxic effects.
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.
Most often, cystitis occurs in women, which is related to the structural features of the excretory 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 a urologist are related to inflammation of the bladder in an acute or chronic form.
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, signs of its development, features of therapy and prevention.
Types of cystitis
Depending on the characteristics of the 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 manifests itself as a separate independent pathology, as a rule, it occurs in relatively healthy patients who do not have disorders of the outflow of urine.
- Secondary (complicated). This can be the result of a violation of the outflow of urine in a number of concomitant 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 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 occurs as a result of exposure to various allergens.
A separate 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. It causes swelling and hyperemia (state of increased blood supply to the organ).
- Hemorrhagic. This leads to inflammation of the vessels, which causes blood to seep into the urine.
- Ulcerative fibrotic. It is characterized by the spread of the inflammatory process in 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 mucous membrane of the organ, the submucosa and the muscle layer.
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 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 bright symptoms. If the disease has become chronic, then the characteristic symptoms of the patient appear only during periods of exacerbation.
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
Signs of cystitis can be very diverse and often depend on the form of the pathology. If we talk about the general symptomatic picture, the following is most often found:
- Frequent urges to urinate (normally the number of urinations during the day is about 6-10 times).
- Discomfort in the area of the bladder, 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, profuse sweating. In severe cases, due to damage to the muscle layer of the bladder, urinary incontinence occurs.
Cystitis can become a manifestation of any urological disease, so the clinical picture largely depends 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 extremely common in women.
Causes of cystitis
The pathology is one of the polyetiological (i. e. , multi-causal), so several factors contribute to its development. The main reason for the appearance 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 different ways. There are the following ways of penetration:
- Ascending. It occurs most often, the pathogenic microflora enters the bladder through the urethra.
- descendingIn this case, microorganisms penetrate from the kidneys (for example, in the presence of pyelonephritis).
- Lymphogenic. Relating to the lymphatic flow by which organisms enter the bladder from other pelvic organs when inflammation is present 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 that is located near the anus (a place where various bacteria accumulate).
- Frequent hormonal fluctuations that can weaken the body's immunity.
Risk factors
There are factors that increase the risk of developing bladder inflammation. They include:
- Hypothermia of the pelvic organs.
- Reduced immunity.
- Constant overload, frequent stresses.
- 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 in the development of such an infection is pregnancy. According to statistics, every 10th pregnant woman 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. Over the age of 50-55, estrogen levels drop, often leading to a weakening of the bladder lining.
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.
- Reduced overall immunity.
- Sexually transmitted infections.
- Allergic reaction to pads or tampons.
- Non-compliance with hygiene rules.
Features of treatment
The diagnosis of "cystitis" is made based on the patient's complaints and an examination by a urologist or gynecologist, and some tests and instrumental tests are also mandatory.
The doctor prescribes the woman:
- general analysis of urine;
- clinical blood test;
- urine culture, bacteriological examination (if complicated cystitis is suspected).
In case of a recurrent course of the disease, a smear and seeding of vaginal discharge, analysis for antibodies against the herpes virus, scraping from the urethra and cervical canal may be prescribed. These procedures help to identify the factors that provoke relapses.
Instrumental techniques are also important in the diagnosis of pathology. Between them:
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs and bladder.
- MRI of the genitourinary system.
- Cystoscopy with biopsy (with a complicated or recurrent course).
Such diagnostic procedures allow you to determine the presence of pathology and the reasons for its occurrence. Based on the data obtained, the specialist can draw up a treatment plan for cystitis. Therapy is based on an integrated approach, which is aimed at achieving 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 drugs. These can be pain relievers, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics, etc. The purpose of their application is to relieve symptoms and eliminate the existing inflammatory process. In addition, the doctor may prescribe immunomodulators or multivitamin complexes. If cystitis is recurrent, preparations based on bacteriophage are often used.
In addition, it is possible to prescribe various physiotherapy methods. Between them:
- Electrophoresis. It helps relieve inflammation and reduces spasms.
- Magnetotherapy. Eliminates bacteria and viruses in the inflamed organ.
- Inductotherapy. Contributes to the normalization of blood circulation, normalizes the excretory system.
In addition, the patient is advised to follow several rules:
- Exclude from the diet spicy, spicy and salty foods, carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol and sweets.
- Refrain from sexual intercourse during the treatment period.
- Drink plenty of water (acidic fruit drinks and urology fees are also recommended).
- Refrain from physical activity (including swimming in pools and lakes).
important!The methods of traditional medicine have no proven effectiveness, therefore they can only be used in combination with drugs. You cannot use folk remedies on your own - do not forget to consult your doctor!
Treatment is performed on an outpatient basis, 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 (for example, diabetes mellitus).
- The occurrence of complications.
- Decompensated heart failure.
- Failure of current 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, symptoms of intoxication and fever.
There is a rapid increase in symptoms and an increase in the number of urinations during the first day. The intervals between urination can be reduced to 5-15 minutes. At the same time, calls appear 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 the pathology lasts on average up to 7-10 days, without appropriate treatment, the disease becomes chronic with phases 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 intake of 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 pronounced symptoms. A woman may experience an exacerbation 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, often blood or purulent discharge 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 required to correct birth defects in the excretory system.
Possible complications
The key to the 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 assistance and non-compliance with the doctor's recommendations, the patient may get 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.
In patients with frequently recurrent cystitis (more than 3 exacerbations per year), preventive therapy is recommended to prevent possible complications. This includes taking small doses of antibiotics, but such treatment is carried out only according to the instructions of a doctor.
Disease prevention
In most cases, simple preventive measures help to avoid the development of cystitis. In this number it is necessary:
- Proper hygiene of the external genitalia.
- Observe hygiene during intercourse.
- Drink enough clean water every day.
- Eliminate all provoking factors (stress, hypothermia, a large amount of spicy and spicy foods).
- Seek medical help in a timely manner and do not self-treat diseases of the pelvic organs.
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 in the lower abdomen). In the presence of a bacterial form of the disease, the 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 heating 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 for the prevention of cystitis. Also, the woman is recommended to lead an active lifestyle, to include physical activity in everyday life. This will remove congestion in the pelvic organs and normalize the urination process.
Cystitis is an extremely unpleasant disease, as it progresses quickly and can affect the quality of life. But 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. You should always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.