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 its lack of bends.This facilitates the movement of infection from the external genitalia to the bladder.
Types of disease
Characteristics of the disease process help 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 occurs episodically, characteristic signs appear and disappear, this process lasts over time.This often happens based on existing diseases of the genitourinary system.
The acute form of cystitis requires you to immediately consult a doctor.Severe pain often accompanies urinary incontinence.In the chronic form, the patient may not be in a hurry, but the situation in this case is much more dangerous.With long-term inflammation, the cells of the bladder mucous membrane can transform, eventually posing a risk of leading to the development of cancerous tumors.
With timely consultation with a doctor, both problems can be successfully resolved.By following the recommendations of a specialist, the symptoms of acute cystitis can be eliminated in 5-7 days, and chronic inflammation will require at least 10 days.With the undulating course of the disease, the time between attacks is usually about a month.
Causes of cystitis
The main cause of cystitis is pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi.Often, doctors encounter infections caused by streptococcus, staphylococcus, and E. coli.These bacteria can be part of the normal microflora of the external genital organs, entering the urinary tract as a result of poor hygiene or unprotected sex.
Urologists have even identified the conditional condition of “honeymoon cystitis,” which sometimes occurs in women who have just begun to become sexually active.In this case, the partner's microflora becomes the cause of a strong inflammatory process.
Common causes of the disease also include poor hygiene of the external genitalia, oral thrush (candida), as well as many sexually transmitted diseases and allergies to hygiene products.
Cystitis during menstruation
Menstrual bleeding is another common reason for the development of acute or worsening chronic cystitis.Bloody secretions often carry large amounts of bacteria that can enter the bladder.Abdominal pain is often attributed to typical menstrual cramps.
Symptom
The main symptoms of the disease include:
- frequent, painful urination;
- pain or discomfort, lower abdominal bloating;
- burning and pain when urinating and immediately afterward;
- change in appearance of urine: cloudy, blood, mucus.
Doctor's expert opinion
With severe inflammation, local symptoms can be combined with general symptoms: fever, weakness, chills, headache.If the inflammation affects 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, as well as urinary incontinence.The severity of some symptoms largely depends on the type of pathology.
Cystitis and pregnancy
Expectant mothers often suffer from cystitis.The increased tendency to inflammation is explained by a decrease in immunity, both general and local.This contributes to the worsening of many underlying diseases, including bladder infections.Another risk factor is that this organ is constantly compressed by the expanding uterus, causing a frequent urge to urinate.
Cystitis is very dangerous for pregnant women and their fetus because it can cause unpleasant and dangerous complications: pyelonephritis (nephritis), arterial hypertension, disruption of fetal blood flow, as well as increased risk of miscarriage.
Hemorrhagic cystitis
Hemorrhagic cystitis is a special, very serious and dangerous form of the disease, often caused by adenovirus infection.It is characterized by:
- very frequent and painful urination;
- severe abdominal pain, spreading 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 consult a doctor.Hemorrhagic cystitis can progress very quickly, causing pyelonephritis.In severe cases, the infection enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body.Sometimes the disease becomes chronic.
Cystitis in cancer
If a malignant or benign tumor begins to form in the mucous membrane of the bladder, it will impair the organ's ability to stretch and cause the urge to urinate even when only a small amount is urinated.This condition is rarely accompanied by severe pain and is often characterized by few symptoms.That is why all chronic cystitis requires special attention and thorough examination of the patient to detect the presence of a cancerous process.
There is also radiation cystitis that occurs with appropriate treatment.Ionizing radiation causes atrophy of the bladder mucosa and scarring on the bladder wall.This leads to a gradual deterioration in the functioning of the organ.
Treatment of cystitis
Treatment of cystitis in a professional clinic is carried out under the supervision of experienced urologists.Before prescribing treatment, the doctor will comprehensively evaluate the patient's condition to choose the most appropriate treatment method.Research helps clarify the cause and intensity of inflammation:
- general blood and urine analysis;
- urine bacterial culture;
- cystoscopy (examination of the bladder from the inside using special optics);
- Ultrasound of abdominal organs, kidneys, bladder and other tests.
As a rule, cystitis can be treated on an outpatient basis.Patients stay at home, rest in bed or half bed, take medicine as prescribed by the doctor, strictly following the schedule and dosage.To eliminate inflammation, drugs of various groups can be prescribed:
- Antibiotics are 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 substances are absorbed faster through the mucous membrane and reach the site of inflammation);
- antifungal drugs for the fungal nature of the disease;
- physiotherapy: electrophoresis, phonophoresis, UHF, magnetotherapy, touch therapy.
It is important to understand that self-medication in case of cystitis can lead to complications.The disease can become chronic and lead to kidney inflammation, bladder cyst formation, 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
Diet for cystitis is designed to facilitate the functioning of the body and normalize the composition of urine.Ideally, a dairy-vegetable diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and dairy products should be followed.You should limit eating fatty, fried, spicy, and salty foods as well as using spices as much as possible.Alcohol in any form or dosage is strictly prohibited until treatment is complete.But clean water should be consumed without restriction and in larger quantities than usual.
Remember, cystitis is more than just pain or pain when urinating.A serious illness can become chronic and become truly dangerous.Experienced specialists of the professional clinic will conduct the necessary examinations, diagnose and prescribe effective treatment, eliminating inflammation in the shortest possible time.Don't delay seeing a doctor;Register for examination when you have the first symptoms.