Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder.Often, this disease occurs in women due to the structural characteristics 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 facilitates the movement of infection from the external genitalia to the bladder.
Form of disease
The characteristics 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 clear and obvious symptoms.The chronic form often occurs in waves, characteristic signs appear and disappear, and the process itself is extended over time.This usually occurs against the background of existing diseases of the genitourinary system.
The acute form of cystitis forces you to see a doctor immediately.Severe pain is often accompanied by urinary incontinence.In a chronic course, 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 mucous membrane of the bladder can change, which eventually risks leading to the development of cancerous tumors.
With timely consultation with a doctor, both problems can be solved successfully.By following the recommendations of experts, the symptoms of acute cystitis can be eliminated in 5-7 days, and chronic inflammation requires at least 10 days.With an undulating course of the disease, the interval between attacks is usually about a month.
Causes of cystitis
The main causes of inflammation of the bladder are pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi.Often, doctors face infections caused by streptococci, staphylococci and E. coli.These microbes can be part of the normal microflora of the external genitalia, entering the urinary tract due to poor hygiene or unprotected sexual intercourse.
Urologists also 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 this disease also include poor hygiene in 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 acute development or exacerbation of chronic cystitis.Bloody discharge often carries large amounts of bacteria that can enter the bladder.Abdominal pain is often associated with regular menstrual cramps.
symptoms
The main symptoms of this disease include:
- frequent and painful urge to urinate;
- pain or discomfort, distension in the lower abdomen;
- burning and pain during urination and immediately after;
- changes in the appearance of urine: turbidity, blood, mucus.
Doctor's opinion
With significant inflammation, local symptoms may be accompanied by general ones: 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
Expectant mothers often experience cystitis.The tendency to increase inflammation is explained by a decrease in immunity, both general and local.This contributes to the aggravation of various inactive diseases, including bladder infections.An additional risk factor is the constant compression of the organ by the growing uterus, which causes a frequent urge to urinate.
Cystitis is very dangerous for pregnant women and their unborn children, because it can cause unpleasant and dangerous complications: pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), arterial hypertension, fetoplacental blood flow disorders, as well as an increased risk of miscarriage.
Hemorrhagic cystitis
Hemorrhagic cystitis is a special form of the disease, very severe and dangerous, usually occurs 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 see a doctor immediately.Hemorrhagic cystitis can develop quickly, rise higher, causing pyelonephritis.In severe cases, the infection penetrates 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 mucous membrane of the bladder, it affects the ability of the organ to stretch and creates the urge to urinate even with a small amount of urine.This condition is rarely accompanied by severe pain and is often characterized by few symptoms.That is why all long-term cystitis requires special attention and a thorough examination of the patient for the presence of oncological processes.
There is also radiation cystitis that occurs when undergoing appropriate therapy.Ionizing radiation causes atrophy of the bladder mucosa and scar formation on its wall.This leads to a gradual decline in organ function.
Treatment of cystitis
Treatment of cystitis in a professional clinic is carried out under the supervision of an experienced urologist.Before prescribing therapy, the doctor comprehensively assesses the patient's condition to choose the most appropriate 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.The patient is at home, on bed or half-bed rest, taking the drugs recommended by the doctor, strictly according to the schedule and dosage.To eliminate the phenomenon of inflammation, drugs of various groups can be prescribed:
- antibiotics are selected taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen;
- anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets, as well as vaginal or rectal suppositories (in this case, the active substance is absorbed faster through the mucous membrane and reaches 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 in the case of cystitis is fraught with the development of complications.This disease can become chronic and lead to kidney inflammation, bladder cyst formation and other problems.For the same reason, you should not change medications or stop taking them without permission, even if your condition has improved.
Diet
The diet for cystitis is designed to facilitate body functions and normalize the composition of urine.Ideally, it is necessary to adhere to a dairy-vegetable diet with plenty 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 dosage is strictly prohibited until treatment is completed.But clean water should be consumed without restrictions and in larger quantities than usual.
Remember, cystitis is not just pain or pain when urinating.Dangerous diseases can become chronic and become really dangerous.Experienced specialists of a professional clinic will conduct the necessary examinations, make a diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment, eliminating inflammation in the shortest possible time.Do not delay your visit to the doctor;register for the clinic at the first symptom.