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 makes it easier for the infection to pass from the external genitalia to the bladder.
Forms of the disease
Features of the course of the disease make it possible to distinguish between acute and chronic cystitis.In the first case, the pathology occurs acutely and is characterized by obvious, bright symptoms.The chronic form often occurs in waves, characteristic symptoms appear and disappear, and the process itself is prolonged over time.This usually occurs against the background of existing diseases of the genitourinary system.
The acute form of cystitis forces you to consult a doctor immediately.Severe pain is often accompanied by urinary incontinence.In a chronic course, the patient may not rush, but in this case the situation is more dangerous.With long-term inflammation, the cells of the mucous membrane of the bladder can transform, which eventually leads to the development of a cancerous tumor.
Both problems can be successfully solved by timely consultation with the doctor.By following the recommendations of a specialist, the symptoms of acute cystitis can be eliminated within 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
The main cause of bladder inflammation is pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi.Doctors often encounter infections caused by streptococci, staphylococci, and E. coli.These microbes can be part of the normal microflora of the external genitalia, they can enter the urinary tract due to poor hygiene or unprotected sex.
Urologists even sometimes identify the conditional "honeymoon cystitis" that occurs in women who have just started sexual activity.In this case, the microflora of the partner 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 various sexually transmitted diseases and allergies to hygiene products.
Cystitis during menstruation
Menstrual bleeding is another common reason for the development of acute or exacerbation of chronic cystitis.Bloody discharge often carries large numbers of bacteria that can enter the bladder.Abdominal pain is often associated with typical menstrual pain.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of the disease include:
- frequent, painful urge to urinate;
- pain or discomfort, swelling in the lower abdomen;
- burning and pain during and immediately after urination;
- change in the appearance of urine: cloudiness, blood, mucus.
Doctor's expert opinion
With significant inflammation, local symptoms can be combined with general ones: fever, weakness, chills, headache.If the inflammation 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 incontinence.The severity of certain symptoms mainly depends on the form of the pathology.
Cystitis and pregnancy
Expectant mothers often suffer from cystitis.The tendency to increase inflammation is explained by a decrease in both general and local immunity.This contributes to the exacerbation of various sedentary diseases, including bladder infections.An additional risk factor is the constant compression of the organ by the expanding uterus, which causes frequent urination.
Cystitis is very dangerous for a pregnant woman and her future child, because it can cause unpleasant and dangerous complications: pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), arterial hypertension, violation of fetoplacental blood flow, as well as an increased risk of miscarriage.
Hemorrhagic cystitis
Hemorrhagic cystitis is a special, very severe and dangerous form of the disease, which usually occurs against the background of adenovirus infection.It is characterized by:
- very frequent and painful urination;
- severe pain in the abdomen, radiation to the perineum;
- the appearance of blood in the urine;
- general intoxication, fever.
The appearance of blood in the urine is a signal to consult a doctor immediately.Hemorrhagic cystitis can develop very quickly, increase further, cause pyelonephritis.In severe cases, the infection penetrates the blood and spreads throughout the body.Sometimes the disease is chronic.
Cystitis in cancer
If a malignant or benign tumor begins to form in the bladder mucosa, it weakens the ability of the organ to stretch and provokes urination even with a small amount of urine.The condition is rarely accompanied by severe pain and is often characterized by mild symptoms.Therefore, all long-term cystitis requires special attention and a thorough examination of the patient for the presence of an oncological process.
There is also radiation cystitis that occurs during appropriate therapy.Ionizing radiation causes atrophy of the bladder mucosa and the formation of scars on its wall.This causes a gradual deterioration of the organ's function.
Treatment of cystitis
Treatment of cystitis in a professional clinic is carried out under the supervision of experienced urologists.Before prescribing therapy, the doctor thoroughly evaluates the patient's condition in order to choose the most suitable methods.Research helps to clarify the causes and intensity of inflammation:
- general blood and urine analysis;
- bacterial culture in urine;
- 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 semi-bed rest, takes the drugs recommended by the doctor, strictly follows the schedule and dosage.Medicines of different groups can be prescribed to eliminate inflammatory phenomena:
- antibiotics 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 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, induction therapy.
It is important to understand that self-treatment in the case of cystitis is fraught with the development of complications.The disease can become chronic and cause inflammation of the kidneys, formation of cysts in the bladder and other problems.For the same reasons, even if your condition improves, you should not change medications and stop taking unauthorized medications.
Diet
Diet for cystitis is designed to facilitate the work of the body and normalize the composition of urine.Ideally, a dairy-vegetable diet should be followed with plenty of fruits, vegetables and dairy products.It is recommended to limit as much as possible the use of fatty and fried foods, spicy and salty foods, as well as spices.Alcohol in any form or dosage is strictly prohibited until treatment is completed.However, clean water should be consumed without restriction and in larger quantities than usual.
Remember that cystitis is not just pain or pain during urination.An insidious disease can become chronic and can be really dangerous.Experienced specialists of a professional clinic will conduct the necessary examinations, make a diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment, getting rid of the inflammation as soon as possible.Do not delay your visit to the doctor;to register at the clinic at the first symptoms.