Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder.Most often, this disease occurs in women due to the structural characteristics of the urinary tract.The female urethra differs from the male urethra in its short length and wide lumen, as well as in the absence of bends.This facilitates the movement of the infection from the external genitalia to the bladder.
Forms of the 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 appears suddenly and is characterized by pronounced, vivid symptoms.The chronic form often occurs in waves, characteristic signs appear and disappear, and the process itself is prolonged over time.This usually occurs against the background of existing diseases of the urogenital system.
The acute form of cystitis forces you to consult a doctor immediately.Severe pain is often accompanied by urinary incontinence.In the case of a chronic course, the patient does not rush, but the situation in this case is much more dangerous.In case of prolonged inflammation, the cells of the mucous membrane of the bladder can transform, which can ultimately lead to the development of a cancerous tumor.
Both problems can be successfully solved by timely consultation with a doctor.By following the recommendations of a specialist, the symptoms of acute cystitis can be eliminated within 5-7 days, while chronic inflammation will require at least 10 days.In the fluctuating course of the disease, the interval between attacks is usually about a month.
Causes of cystitis
The main cause of cystitis is pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi.Most often, doctors 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 identify the conditional "honeymoon cystitis", which sometimes occurs in women who have just started sexual activity.In this case, the partner's microflora becomes the cause of a strong inflammatory process.
Common causes of the disease include poor hygiene of the external genitalia, thrush (candidiasis), and allergies to various sexually transmitted diseases and hygiene products.
Cystitis during menstruation
Menstrual bleeding is another common cause of acute or exacerbation of chronic cystitis.Bloody discharge often carries large numbers of bacteria that can enter the bladder.Abdominal pain is often attributed to typical menstrual pain.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of the disease are:
- frequent, painful urge to urinate;
- pain or discomfort, bloating in the lower abdomen;
- burning sensation and pain during and immediately after urination;
- changes in the appearance of urine: cloudiness, blood, mucus.
Expert opinion of a doctor
In case of significant inflammation, local symptoms may be accompanied by general symptoms: 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 constant heaviness in the lower abdomen and urinary incontinence.The severity of certain symptoms largely depends on the form of the pathology.
Cystitis and pregnancy
Pregnant mothers often suffer from cystitis.The increased tendency to inflammation can be explained by a decrease in general and local immunity.This contributes to the aggravation of many sleeping illnesses, including bladder infections.Another risk factor is the constant compression of the organ by the enlarging uterus, which causes a frequent urge to urinate.
Cystitis is very dangerous for a pregnant woman and her unborn child, as it can cause unpleasant and dangerous complications: pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), arterial hypertension, impaired blood flow to the fetal placenta, and an increased risk of miscarriage.
Hemorrhagic cystitis
Hemorrhagic cystitis is a special, very serious and dangerous form of the disease, which usually occurs against the background of adenovirus infection.Features:
- very frequent and painful urination;
- severe abdominal pain radiating to the perineum;
- the appearance of blood in the urine;
- general intoxication, fever.
The appearance of blood in the urine indicates that you should immediately consult a doctor.Hemorrhagic cystitis can progress very quickly and rise higher, causing pyelonephritis.In severe cases, the infection enters the blood and spreads throughout the body.Sometimes the disease becomes chronic.
Cystitis in cancer
If a malignant or benign tumor begins to develop in the mucous membrane of the bladder, it impairs the organ's ability to stretch and triggers an urge to urinate even with a small amount of urine.The condition is rarely accompanied by severe pain and often has few symptoms.That is why 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 infection, which occurs during appropriate therapy.Ionizing radiation causes atrophy of the bladder mucosa and scar formation in its wall.This leads to a gradual deterioration of the organ's function.
Treatment of cystitis
Cystitis is treated in a professional clinic under the supervision of experienced urologists.Before prescribing the therapy, the doctor comprehensively evaluates the patient's condition in order to choose the most suitable methods.Research helps clarify the causes and intensity of inflammation:
- general blood and urine analysis;
- bacterial urine culture;
- cystoscopy (internal examination of the bladder with special optics);
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, kidneys, bladder and other examinations.
Cystitis can usually be treated on an outpatient basis.The patient is at home, in bed or semi-bed rest, taking the medications recommended by the doctor, strictly following the schedule and dosage.Medicines from 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 agents for the fungal nature of the disease;
- physiotherapy: electrophoresis, phonophoresis, UHF, magnetotherapy, induction therapy.
It is important to understand that self-medication in the case of cystitis is fraught with the development of complications.The disease can become chronic and lead to inflammation of the kidneys, the development of bladder cysts and other problems.For the same reasons, you should not change or stop medication without permission, even if your condition has improved.
Diet
The cystitis diet is designed to facilitate the functioning of the body and normalize the composition of urine.Ideally, a dairy-vegetable diet should be followed, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and dairy products.It is recommended to limit the use of fatty and fried foods, spicy and salty foods, and spices as much as possible.Alcohol in any form or quantity is strictly prohibited until treatment is completed.But clean water should be consumed without restriction 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.The experienced specialists of the professional clinic perform the necessary examinations, make a diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment, getting rid of the inflammation in the shortest possible time.Do not delay a visit to the doctor;report to a clinic at the first symptoms.