In most cases, chronic forms of inflammatory diseases of the urogenital region are the result of an unprofessional approach to therapy. If the symptoms and treatment of cystitis in women do not match, the disease cannot be eliminated. Medicines advertised on TV bring only temporary relief and after some time the disease returns.
The only way to get rid of cystitis is to determine the cause of the disease and undergo a full course of 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 bladder mucosa is damaged. Due to the anatomical features of the body, women suffer from cystitis several times more than men.
The work of the bladder is connected with all physiological systems, so functional deviations in the internal organs affect the health of the female urogenital area in one way or another.
The development of the inflammatory process may be preceded by:
- viral or bacterial infections - flu, tonsillitis, sinusitis, staphylococcus aureus, trichomonas, E. coli, caries, furunculosis;
- hypothermia;
- allergic reaction;
- hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause;
- acquired diseases - diabetes mellitus, colitis, spinal injuries, nephrological and endocrine pathologies, tumor formations;
- take medicine;
- decreased immunity;
- anomaly in the development of organs of the genitourinary system;
- insufficient hygiene of the genitals;
- acute forms of cystitis most often occur against the background of obstruction in the urinary system.
Pathogenic microorganisms enter the bladder in different ways. In diseases of the upper respiratory tract, 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 through the kidneys together with urine.
Factors that contribute to the development of cystitis include wearing tight synthetic underwear, a tendency to constipation, frequent changes of sexual partners, unprotected sex, as well as conditions that reduce the potential of the immune system - stress, lack of sleep, excessive exercise. , irregular feeding.
The main signs and symptoms of the disease
The development of cystitis can be acute or with gradually increasing symptoms. The characteristic symptoms of acute cystitis are cramps and pain during urination.
But as the disease progresses, the symptoms:
- discomfort in the genital area and pubic area;
- itching and burning in the perineum - the result of the irritating effect of toxic substances accumulated in urine;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- pain in the lower abdomen and back, a feeling of fullness;
- Headache;
- increased fatigue;
- slight increase in body temperature;
- cloudy urine;
- strong unpleasant smell of urine;
- a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder;
- the appearance of blood in the urine may indicate the development of complications.
In 95% of cases, allergic or infectious cystitis is accompanied by itching.
Complications of the disease
Due to the high prevalence (40% of women in the world are diagnosed with pathology), the severity of the consequences of cystitis is often underestimated.
With appropriate treatment, if there are no reasons supporting the course of the pathology, the symptoms of acute cystitis disappear and the woman's well-being improves significantly. In the absence of the necessary therapeutic effect, the disease takes the chronic form of the course, which is fraught with serious health complications.
Chronic cystitis is characterized by damage to most of the mucous membrane of the bladder. At the same time, against the background of a decrease in the elasticity of the epithelium, edema and thickening appear in the affected areas.
The development of the pathological process causes complications that threaten the health of vital organs and systems:
- In 95% of cases, kidney disease occurs - pyelonephritis, kidney failure;
- organic change in the tissues of the bladder is fraught with the rupture of its walls and the development of peritonitis;
- inflammation is often one of the main causes of adhesions;
- the danger of a decrease in reproductive function, a complete loss of the ability to bear children;
- urethritis;
- tumor processes;
- formation of ulcers on the walls of the bladder, bleeding;
- urolithiasis disease;
- muscle damage and loss of bladder tissue tone, leading to bladder dysfunction and incontinence.
Throughout her life, there are periods in a woman's body when the tendency to develop cystitis is associated with natural physiological changes.
Periods of susceptibility to cystitis in a woman's life
The first critical period occurs before the age of three. At this age, children with congenital pathology of the urinary tract may develop vesicoureteral reflux, when the bladder returns to the kidneys. The result of the pathology is vulvovaginitis and increased infection of the bladder.
Puberty is the second period in a woman's life, which is important in terms of the degree of susceptibility to cystitis. In addition to the hormonal changes inherent in puberty, there is an added risk 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 mucous membrane of the bladder, 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 characteristic of cystitis.
Diagnostic measures
Medical examination of patients with suspected cystitis includes not only confirmation of the diagnosis, but also identification of the underlying disease that causes inflammation of the bladder mucosa.
In addition to 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 vaginal microflora;
- Ultrasound of the genitourinary system;
- PCR - molecular research method;
- bacterial culture in urine.
In some cases, doctors use information obtained through a biopsy, a microscopic examination of samples of affected tissues, to make a diagnosis.
Medicines for complete treatment of the disease
The treatment of cystitis is to eliminate not only the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder, but also the diseases that support them. The choice of therapeutic methods and means depends on the form of the disease and related pathological processes.
To stop the symptoms of the 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 course of treatment for acute cystitis is 7 days. An interrupted course 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 suitable for cystitis, the causative agent of which is bacteria.
Among the most effective antibacterial agents:
- A phosphonic antibiotic. It is 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. It belongs to the group of quinolones. The active substance is pipemidic acid;
- A popular antibiotic based on nitrofuran. It is relevant when exposed to bacteria, the sensitivity to the drug is proven by spraying;
- Backup antibiotic. It is prescribed if the use of other drugs does not have a therapeutic effect. The active substance belongs to the group of fluoroquinolones;
- A drug from the group of oxyquinolines. It is active against most bacteria and Candida 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 prevention of urinary tract diseases.
It is possible to take any antibacterial drug only as prescribed by a doctor. Despite the high therapeutic efficiency, modern drugs have many contraindications and can cause unwanted side reactions.
Antispasmodics
Means with antispasmodic properties are an indispensable component of restorative and maintenance therapy for cystitis.
The action of antispasmodic drugs is expressed in the elimination of spasm of the smooth muscles of the bladder and relief, pain relief.
Taking antispasmodics is suitable for both acute forms of cystitis and relapses of chronic infections.
Anti-inflammatory pills
With cystitis, it is recommended to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to eliminate inflammation of the bladder mucosa. In addition to eliminating inflammatory processes, the drugs of this group have an analgesic effect that relieves the pain and discomfort inherent in the pathology.
Phytopreparations
The use of phytopreparations is an effective way to increase the effect of drug treatment. Herbal remedies are based on natural plant components with biological activity.
- A product containing extracts of oregano herb, carrot seed, yeast seedlings, as well as peppermint and Siberian fir leaf oils. It has an antiseptic, antispasmodic and diuretic effect. It is available in the form of capsules, syrup or drops.
- Tablets based on plant extracts with nephrolytic and antimicrobial properties.
- A paste based on orange and fir oils. It has a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic effect. It prevents the development of urolithiasis.
Taking phytopreparations is most effective at the initial stage of cystitis development.
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 - food 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 the infection and consists of taking antibacterial drugs;
- pathogenetic therapy allows 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 to restore the natural flow of urine and eliminate all possible sources of infection. Treatment involves taking immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drugs, and in some cases, surgical correction;
- disease prevention - a complex of measures that prevent the possibility of recurrence of the infection.
Physiotherapy is prescribed as additional therapeutic measures - electrophoresis, electrical stimulation of tissues, laser exposure, as well as special exercises that normalize blood circulation in the pelvic organs.
Folk remedies for cystitis in women
The list of folk remedies recommended for the treatment of cystitis includes well-known and inexpensive herbal remedies: decoction of fennel seeds, millet infusion, teas, medicinal chamomile, parsley seed infusion, and St. John's wort teas and baths.
In addition, lingonberry leaves and cranberries are considered an invariable component of cystitis home treatment.
Due to its unique composition, lingonberry leaf has a complex therapeutic effect on the organs of the genitourinary sphere - antimicrobial, diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Cowberry leaf tea is prepared according to the recipe for making ordinary tea leaves. Take half a glass of this tea three times a day.
The use of cranberry-based drinks has a strong therapeutic effect.
Berry tea thanks to cranberry proanthocyanidins:
- inhibits the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms;
- prevents the deposition of pathogens in the walls of the organs of the urinary system;
- removes inflammation;
- protects the body from fungi and microbes;
- increases the elasticity of blood vessels;
- has an immunomodulatory effect.
Fresh or frozen cranberries are used to make a healing drink. The berries are crushed, poured with boiled water and kept in a steam bath for 10 minutes. Two glasses of drink a day with the addition of honey will improve well-being and health in record time.
Nutrition and microflora
During the treatment of cystitis, proper nutrition is of particular importance. It depends on what kind of products will be in the diet, how quickly it will be possible to eliminate inflammation and start the recovery of damaged bladder tissues.
In addition, a properly organized diet protects the functionality of the microflora living in the mucous membranes of the internal organs. This ensures the elimination and removal of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as the normalization of recovery processes.
Therapeutic diet is based on specially selected products and drinking regime.
It is extremely important that nutrition is in accordance with the following principles:
- all consumed products must have diuretic properties;
- the amount of salt consumed should be minimized;
- exclude spicy, fatty, fried, smoked, sweet and dairy foods from the menu, as well as canned food;
- limit the intake of foods containing protein;
- when preparing food, you should limit yourself to minimal heat treatment;
- strong drinks and alcohol are completely excluded;
- the total amount of drunk liquid per day is at least two liters.
During the entire course of treatment, it is recommended to use cereals, light vegetable soups, boiled meat and low-fat fish, yogurt, low-fat salty cheese, cabbage, pumpkin, cucumber, parsley, pomegranate, watermelon and pear.
From drinks, preference should be given to herbal teas and cranberry and lingonberry fruit drinks.
Prevention of cystitis
The tendency to the disease remains throughout the life of a woman who has had cystitis at least once.
Preventive measures will help prevent recurrence:
- timely treatment of any disease;
- minimize stress;
- observe the rules of personal hygiene;
- taking a shower is better than a bath;
- regular visits to the gynecologist and urologist, tests;
- compliance with the drinking regime.
It is important not to miss the opportunity to fry the kidneys and bladder by eating more watermelons in the summer.
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 very high.