In most cases, chronic forms of inflammatory diseases of the urogenital region are the result of an unprofessional therapeutic approach. The disease cannot be eliminated if the symptoms and treatment of cystitis in women do not match. Medications imposed by TV advertising bring only temporary relief, and after a while the disease returns.
The only way to get rid of cystitis is to find out the cause of the disease and undergo comprehensive treatment under the supervision of a professional urologist.
Cystitis - causes in women
In medicine, the concept of "cystitis" combines several types of symptomatic urinary pathologies, in which the mucosa of the bladder is damaged. Due to the anatomical features of the body, women suffer from cystitis several times more often than men.
The work of the bladder is associated with all physiological systems, therefore, functional deviations of internal organs, one way or another, affect the health of the urogenital sphere of a woman.
The development of the inflammatory process can be preceded by:
- viral or bacterial infections - influenza, tonsillitis, sinusitis, staphylococcus aureus, trichomonas, E. coli, caries, furunculosis;
- hypothermia;
- allergic reaction;
- hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause;
- acquired diseases - diabetes mellitus, colitis, spinal lesions, nephrological and endocrine pathologies, tumor formations;
- to take pills;
- decreased immunity;
- abnormality in the development of the organs of the genitourinary system;
- insufficient hygiene of the genitals;
- acute forms of cystitis most often occur against a background of congestion of the urinary system.
Pathways of pathogenic microorganisms into the bladder also differ. In upper respiratory diseases, the infection spreads throughout the body through the blood. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, microbes enter the genitourinary organs from the anus. Due to nephrological pathologies, infectious agents move from the kidneys with urine.
Factors contributing to the development of cystitis include wearing tight synthetic underwear, a tendency to constipation, frequent changes of sexual partners, subjecting to 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. Characteristic signs of cystitis in acute form are cramps and pain during urination.
But as the disease progresses, symptoms such as:
- discomfort in the genital area and pubic area;
- itching and burning in the perineum - the result of the 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.
Allergic or infectious cystitis is accompanied in 95% of cases by itching.
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 that there are no causes supporting the course of the pathology, the symptoms of acute cystitis disappear, and the woman's well-being improves markedly. If the necessary therapeutic effect is absent, the disease acquires a chronic form of course, which is fraught with serious health complications.
Chronic cystitis is characterized by damage to most of the bladder mucosa. 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 progression of the pathological process leads to complications that threaten the health of vital organs and systems:
- in 95% of cases, kidney disease occurs - pyelonephritis, kidney failure;
- the organic change in the tissues of the bladder leads to 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 reproductive function, danger of complete loss of ability to have children;
- urethritis;
- tumor processes;
- the formation of ulcers on the walls of the bladder, bleeding;
- urolithiasis disease;
- muscle damage and loss of tone in the tissues of the bladder, which leads to its dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
In the body of a woman during her life there are periods when a predisposition to the development of cystitis is associated with natural physiological changes.
Periods of vulnerability to cystitis in a woman's life
The first critical period occurs before the age of three. At this age, children with congenital urinary tract pathologies may develop vesicoureteral reflux, in which urine returns from the bladder to the kidneys. The consequence of the pathology is vulvovaginitis and ascending infection of the bladder.
Puberty is the second period of a woman's life, which is significant in terms of the degree of predisposition to cystitis. Added to the hormonal changes inherent in puberty are the risks of infection during unprotected sex.
Menopause is manifested not only by a decrease in the hormonal level in the female body, but also by a decrease in the protective properties of the bladder mucosa, 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 is not only to confirm the diagnosis, but also to determine the underlying disease that caused the inflammation of the bladder mucosa.
Along with the study of 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 - molecular research method;
- urine bacterial culture.
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 complete treatment of the disease
Treatment of cystitis consists in eliminating not only the inflammation of the bladder mucosa, but also the diseases that support them. The choice of therapeutic methods and means depends on the form of the disease and the associated pathological processes.
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. Interruption 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 is 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 infections of the urinary system. Belongs to the group of quinolones. The active substance is pipemidic acid;
- A popular nitrofuran antibiotic. Relevant when exposed to bacteria whose sensitivity to the drug is proven by seed;
- Reserve antibiotic. It is prescribed if the use of other drugs has not provided a therapeutic effect. The active substance belongs to the group of fluoroquinolones;
- Drug from the group of oxyquinolines. It is active against most Candida bacteria and fungi;
- An antimicrobial agent from the group of nitrofurans that suppresses the activity of bacterial infections. The use of tablets is also suitable as a prophylactic for diseases of the urinary tract.
Taking antibacterial drugs is possible only as directed by a doctor. Despite their high therapeutic effectiveness, modern drugs have many contraindications and can cause undesirable side reactions.
Antispasmodics
Means with antispasmodic properties are an indispensable part of restorative and maintenance therapy of 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, relieving pain.
Taking antispasmodics is suitable for both acute forms of cystitis and relapses of chronic infections.
Anti-inflammatory pills
To relieve inflammation of the bladder mucosa with cystitis, it is recommended to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Along with the elimination of inflammatory processes, drugs of this group provide an analgesic effect, relieving pain and discomfort inherent in the pathology.
Phytopreparations
The use of phytopreparations is an effective way to enhance the impact of drug therapy. Herbal remedies are based on natural plant components with biological activity.
- A product that contains extracts of oregano herb, carrot seeds, hop seedlings, as well as peppermint and Siberian fir leaf oils. Provides antiseptic, antispasmodic and diuretic action. Available in the form of capsules, syrup or drops.
- 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.
To maintain the natural physiological level of the microflora of the mucous membranes of the intestines and genitals, 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 suppresses the vital activity of pathogens and its consequences.
The main methods of treatment of 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 and eliminate structural pathologies of internal organs. The main goals of therapy are the restoration of the natural outflow of urine and the elimination of all possible foci of infection. Treatment consists of 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 circulation in the pelvic organs.
Folk remedies for cystitis in women
The list of recommended folk remedies for the treatment of cystitis includes well-known and affordable herbal remedies: a decoction of dill seeds, an infusion of millet, pharmaceutical chamomile teas, infusions and baths, ainfusion of parsley seeds and St. John's wort teas.
Also, lingonberry leaves and cranberries are considered an invariable component of the home treatment of cystitis.
Due to its unique composition, lingonberry leaf provides a complex therapeutic effect on the organs of the genitourinary sphere - antimicrobial, diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Lingonberry 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 drinks provides a strong 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.
For the preparation of a healing drink, fresh or frozen cranberries are used. The berries are crushed, poured with boiled water and kept in a steam bath for 10 minutes. Two cups of drink a day with the addition of honey will improve well-being and health in record time.
Nutrition and microflora
Proper nutrition during the treatment of cystitis is of particular importance. It depends on what types of products will be present in the diet, how quickly it will be possible to eliminate inflammation and begin the restoration of damaged bladder tissue.
In addition, a well-organized diet maintains the functionality of the microflora that lives on the mucous membranes of 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 consumption regimen.
It is extremely important that nutrition conforms to the following principles:
- all products consumed must have diuretic properties;
- the amount of salt consumed should be kept to a minimum;
- exclude from the menu spicy, fatty, fried, smoked, sweet and dairy dishes, as well as preservation;
- limit the consumption of foods containing protein;
- when cooking, you need to limit yourself to minimal heat treatment;
- strong drinks and alcohol are completely excluded;
- the total amount of fluid drunk per day is at least two liters.
Throughout the course of treatment, it is recommended to use cereals, light vegetable soups, boiled meat and low-fat fish, yogurt, low-fat salty cheese, cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, parsley, pomegranate, watermelon and pear.
Of the drinks, preference should be given to herbal teas and fruit drinks made from cranberries and lingonberries.
Prevention of cystitis
The predisposition to the disease remains throughout the life of a woman who has had at least one cystitis.
Preventative measures will help prevent recurrences:
- timely treatment of any ailment;
- minimize stress;
- compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- taking a shower is preferable to a bath;
- regular visits to the gynecologist and urologist, tests;
- compliance with the drinking regime.
In the summer, it is important not to miss the opportunity to flush the kidneys and bladder by eating more watermelons.
And most importantly, you should not sacrifice health for beauty and always dress according to the weather, especially in spring and autumn - their heat is deceiving and the risk of getting sick is too high.