In most cases, chronic forms of inflammatory diseases of the urogenital area are the result of an unprofessional approach to therapy. The disease cannot be eliminated if the symptoms and treatment of cystitis in women do not match. Medicines imposed by television commercials bring only temporary relief, and after a certain time the disease returns again.
The only way to get rid of cystitis is to determine the cause of the disease and undergo a full treatment process under the supervision of a professional urologist.
Cystitis - causes in women
In medicine, the concept of "cystitis" unites several symptomatic urinary tract pathologies in which the mucous membrane of the bladder is damaged. Due to the anatomical characteristics of the body, women suffer from cystitis several times more often than men.
The work of the bladder is related to all physiological systems, therefore the functional differences of the internal organs affect the health of the woman's urogenital sphere in one way or another.
The inflammatory process can be prevented 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 injuries, nephrological and endocrine pathologies, tumors;
- taking medications;
- reduced immunity;
- anomaly in the development of organs of the urogenital system;
- insufficient hygiene of the genitals;
- acute forms of cystitis most often occur against the background of congestion of the urinary system.
The routes of entry of pathogenic microorganisms into the bladder are also different. In the case of upper respiratory tract infections, the infection spreads throughout the body with the blood. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, microbes enter the urinary tract from the anus. Due to nephrological pathologies, infectious agents move out of the kidneys together with urine.
Factors contributing to the development of cystitis include wearing tight synthetic underwear, a tendency to constipation, frequent changes of sexual partners, unprotected sex, and 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. The characteristic signs of acute cystitis are cramps and pain during urination.
But as the disease progresses, symptoms such as:
- discomfort in the genital and pubic area;
- itching and burning in the perineum - the result of the irritating effect of toxic substances accumulated in the urine;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- pain in the lower abdomen and back, feeling full;
- headache;
- increased fatigue;
- slight rise 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.
Allergic or infectious cystitis is accompanied by itching in 95% of cases.
Complications of the disease
Due to the high prevalence (40% of women in the world are diagnosed with the pathology), the severity of the consequences of cystitis is often underestimated.
With proper treatment, provided that there are no reasons supporting the course of the pathology, the symptoms of acute cystitis disappear, and the woman's well-being improves significantly. If the necessary therapeutic effect is absent, the disease takes a chronic form, which is associated with serious health complications.
Chronic cystitis is characterized by damage to a large part of the mucous membrane of the bladder. 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:
- kidney disease occurs in 95% of cases - pyelonephritis, kidney failure;
- organic changes in the tissues of the bladder are fraught with 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, risk of complete loss of ability to bear children;
- urethritis;
- tumor processes;
- formation of ulcers on the wall of the bladder, bleeding;
- urolithiasis disease;
- muscle damage and loss of bladder tissue tone, leading to bladder dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
In a woman's body, there are periods during her life when the tendency to develop cystitis is accompanied by 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 pathology of the urinary tract 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 in a woman's life, which is important for the degree of susceptibility to cystitis. In addition to the hormonal changes inherent in puberty, unprotected sex also increases the risk of infection.
Menopause manifests itself not only in a decrease in the level of hormones in the female body, but also in a decrease in the protective properties of the mucous membrane of the bladder, as well as in a change in its anatomical position. All these changes contribute to the development of urinary tract inflammation and other pathologies inherent in cystitis.
Diagnostic measures
The medical examination of patients with suspected cystitis means not only confirming the diagnosis, but also determining the underlying disease causing the inflammation of the bladder mucosa.
In addition to studying anamnestic data and symptoms of the disease, urologists use the following diagnostic measures:
- general urinalysis;
- general blood test;
- cystoscopy - endoscopic examination of the bladder;
- analysis of the composition of the microflora of the vagina;
- Ultrasound of the urogenital system;
- PCR - molecular research method;
- bacterial urine culture.
In some cases, doctors use information obtained through a biopsy, a microscopic examination of samples of affected tissue, to make a diagnosis.
Medicines for the complete treatment of the disease
The treatment of cystitis not only eliminates the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder, but also the diseases that support it. The choice of therapeutic methods and tools depends on the form of the disease and the related pathological processes.
In order 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 duration of treatment for acute cystitis is 7 days. Interrupted treatment is one of the main reasons for the development of the 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. It is made in the form of granules. In the acute form of cystitis, it should be taken once;
- Tablet for the treatment of cystitis and other acute or chronic urinary tract infections. It belongs to the group of quinolones. The active ingredient of the preparation is pipemic acid;
- Popular antibiotic based on nitrofuran. It is relevant if you are exposed to bacteria whose sensitivity to the drug is proven by sowing;
- Backup antibiotic. It is prescribed when the use of other drugs did not provide a therapeutic effect. The active substance belongs to the group of fluoroquinolones;
- Medicine from the group of oxyquinolines. Active against most bacteria and Candida fungi;
- An antimicrobial agent belonging to the group of nitrofurans that suppresses the activity of bacterial infections. The use of tablets is also suitable for the prevention of urinary tract diseases.
Taking any antibacterial medication is possible only according to the doctor's instructions. Despite the high therapeutic efficiency, modern drugs have many contraindications and can cause unwanted side effects.
Anticonvulsants
Devices with antispasmodic properties are indispensable components of the restorative and maintenance therapy of cystitis.
The effect of antispasmodic drugs is expressed in the elimination of the spasm of the smooth muscles of the bladder and in the relaxation and pain-relieving effect.
Taking antispasmodics is suitable both for acute forms of cystitis and relapses of chronic infections.
Anti-inflammatory tablets
Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is recommended to alleviate the inflammation of the bladder mucosa associated with cystitis. Together with the elimination of inflammatory processes, the drugs of this group have an analgesic effect, relieve the pain and discomfort inherent in the pathology.
Phytopreparations
The use of phytopreparations is an effective way to enhance the effect of drug therapy. Herbal preparations are based on natural plant components with biological activity.
- Product containing extracts of oregano, carrot seeds, hop seedlings, peppermint and Siberian pine leaves. It provides an antiseptic, antispasmodic and diuretic effect. Available as capsules, syrup or drops.
- Tablets based on plant extracts with nephrolytic and antimicrobial properties.
- Orange and pine oil based paste. It has a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect. Prevents the development of urolithiasis.
The reception of phytopreparations is most effective in the initial stages of the development of cystitis.
Probiotics
After exposure to infectious microorganisms and taking antibiotics, the activity of beneficial microflora may decrease.
To maintain the natural physiological level of the microflora of the mucous membranes of the intestines and genitals, the use of probiotics - food supplements containing live microorganism cultures - is necessary.
Treatment of the chronic form of the disease
In order to get rid of the chronic form of the disease, it is necessary to diagnose all possible foci of infection and provide complex therapy that suppresses the vital activity of pathogens and its consequences.
The main methods of treating chronic cystitis:
- etiological therapy is aimed at eliminating the causative agent of the infection and consists of taking antibacterial drugs;
- Pathogenetic therapy makes it possible to restore the functions of the immune system, normalize the hormonal background and eliminate structural pathologies of internal organs. The main goal of therapy is to restore the natural outflow of urine and eliminate all possible foci of infection. Treatment includes taking immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drugs and, in some cases, surgical correction;
- prevention of diseases - a set of measures that prevent the possibility of recurrence of infection.
As additional therapeutic measures, physiotherapy is prescribed - 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 affordable herbs: dill seed decoction, millet decoction, teas, pharmaceutical chamomile infusions and baths, parsley seed decoction, St. John's wort teas.
In addition, cranberry leaves and cranberries are considered an invariable ingredient in the home treatment of cystitis.
Due to its unique composition, the lingonberry leaf exerts a complex therapeutic effect on the organs of the urogenital sphere - antimicrobial, diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Cranberry leaf tea is made 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 provides a powerful healing effect.
Thanks to blueberry proanthocyanidins, berry tea:
- suppresses the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms;
- prevents pathogens from settling on the walls of the organs of the urinary system;
- relieves inflammation;
- protects the body from fungi and microbes;
- increases the flexibility of blood vessels;
- has an immunomodulatory effect.
Fresh or frozen blueberries are used to prepare the healing drink. 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 your well-being and health in record time.
Nutrition and microflora
Adequate nutrition is particularly important during the treatment of cystitis. It depends on what types of products will be present in the diet, how quickly the inflammation can be removed and the restoration of damaged bladder tissues can begin.
In addition, a properly organized diet maintains the functionality of the microflora living on the mucous membranes of the internal organs. This ensures the removal and elimination of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as the normalization of recovery processes.
The therapeutic diet is based on specially selected products and a drinking regimen.
It is extremely important that nutrition is consistent with the following principles:
- all products consumed must have diuretic properties;
- the amount of salt consumed should be reduced to a minimum;
- exclude spicy, fatty, fried, smoked, sweet and dairy foods from the menu, as well as preserves;
- limit the intake of foods containing protein;
- when cooking, you should limit yourself to minimal heat treatment;
- strong drinks and alcohol are completely excluded;
- the total amount of fluid consumed per day is at least two liters.
Cereals, light vegetable soups, cooked meat and low-fat fish, yogurt, low-fat salty cheese, cabbage, zucchini, cucumber, parsley, pomegranate, watermelon and pear are recommended during the entire treatment.
Among drinks, preference should be given to herbal teas and fruit drinks made from cranberries and cranberries.
Prevention of cystitis
The tendency to the disease remains throughout the life of a woman who has suffered from cystitis at least once.
Preventive measures will help to avoid recurrence:
- timely treatment of any disease;
- minimizing stress;
- compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- a shower is preferable to a bath;
- regular visits to the gynecologist and urologist, testing;
- compliance with the drinking regime.
In 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 your 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.