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 move from the external genitalia to the bladder.
Forms of the disease
The features of the course of the disease make it possible to distinguish acute cystitis from chronic cystitis.In the first case, the pathology occurs suddenly and is characterized by pronounced and sharp symptoms.The chronic form often appears in waves, characteristic signs appear and disappear, and the process itself extends over time.This usually occurs against the background of existing diseases of the genitourinary system.
The acute form of cystitis requires immediate consultation with a doctor.Severe pain is often accompanied by urinary incontinence.In a chronic course, the patient may not rush, but the situation in this case is much more dangerous.With prolonged inflammation, the cells of the bladder lining can change, which may ultimately lead to the development of a cancerous tumor.
With a timely consultation with a doctor, both problems can be successfully resolved.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 an undulating course of the disease, the intervals between attacks are usually about a month.
Causes of cystitis
Pathogens are the main cause of bladder inflammation: bacteria, viruses, fungi.Most often, doctors are faced with 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 sex.
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 the disease also include poor hygiene of the external genitalia, thrush (candidiasis), as well as a variety of sexually transmitted diseases and allergies to hygiene products.
Cystitis during menstruation
Another common reason for the development of acute or exacerbated chronic cystitis is menstrual bleeding.Bloody discharge often carries a large number of bacteria that can enter the bladder.Abdominal pain is often attributed to typical menstrual pain.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of the disease include:
- frequent and painful urge to urinate;
- pain or discomfort, distension of the lower abdomen;
- burning and pain during urination and immediately after;
- change in appearance of urine: cloudy, bloody, mucus.
Expert opinion from a doctor
In the event of significant 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, as well as urinary incontinence.The severity of certain symptoms largely depends on the form of the pathology.
Cystitis and pregnancy
Pregnant women often suffer from cystitis.The increased tendency to inflammation is explained by a decrease in immunity, both general and local.This contributes to the exacerbation of various latent diseases, including bladder infections.An additional risk factor is the constant compression of the organ by the enlargement of the uterus, which causes a frequent urge to urinate.
Cystitis is very dangerous for a pregnant woman and her unborn child, as it can lead to unpleasant and dangerous complications: pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), high blood pressure, 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, usually occurring against the background of adenovirus infection.It is characterized by:
- very frequent and painful urination;
- severe pain in the abdomen, 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 consult a doctor.Hemorrhagic cystitis can progress very quickly, rising higher, 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 impairs the organ's ability to stretch and causes the urge to urinate even with a small amount of urine.The disease is rarely accompanied by severe pain and is often characterized by rare symptoms.That is why any long-term cystitis requires special attention and thorough examination of the patient for the presence of an oncological process.
There is also radiological cystitis which occurs during appropriate treatment.Ionizing radiation causes atrophy of the bladder mucosa and the formation of scars on its 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 comprehensively assesses the patient's condition in order to select the most appropriate methods.Research helps clarify the causes 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.
Typically, cystitis can be treated on an outpatient basis.The patient is at home, in bed or semi-bedrest, taking medications recommended by the doctor, strictly adhering to the schedule and dosage.To eliminate inflammatory phenomena, drugs from different groups can be prescribed:
- antibiotics selected taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen;
- anti-inflammatories in the form of tablets, as well as vaginal or rectal suppositories (in this case, the active substances are absorbed more quickly through the mucous membrane and reach the site of inflammation);
- antifungal drugs for the fungal nature of the disease;
- physiotherapy: electrophoresis, phonophoresis, UHF, magnetotherapy, inductotherapy.
It is important to understand that self-medication for cystitis leads to the development of complications.The disease can become chronic and lead to inflammation of the kidneys, the formation of bladder cysts and other problems.For the same reasons, you should not change medications or stop taking medications without authorization, 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 dairy-vegetable diet with an abundance of fruits, vegetables and dairy products.It is recommended to limit fatty and fried foods, spicy and salty foods, as well as the use of spices as much as possible.Alcohol in any form or dose is strictly prohibited until the end of treatment.But clean water should be consumed without restrictions and in larger quantities than usual.
Remember that cystitis is not just pain or pain when urinating.An insidious disease can become chronic and become truly dangerous.Experienced specialists of a professional clinic will conduct the necessary examinations, make a diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment, eliminating inflammation as soon as possible.Don't delay your visit to the doctor;register with a clinic at the first symptoms.