Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder.Most commonly, this disease occurs in women due to structural features of the urinary tract.The female urethra (urethra) differs from the male urethra in that it is shorter in length, has a wider lumen, and is not curved.This facilitates the transfer of infection from the external genitalia to the bladder.
Forms of the disease
Characteristics of the course of the disease make it possible to differentiate between acute and chronic cystitis.In the first case, the pathology occurs suddenly with clear, vivid symptoms.The chronic form usually occurs in waves, with characteristic signs appearing and disappearing, and the process itself prolonging over time.This usually occurs against the background of existing diseases of the genitourinary system.
Acute cystitis forces you to see a doctor immediately.Severe pain is often accompanied by urinary incontinence.In the chronic course of the disease, the patient may not be anxious, but the situation in this case is much more dangerous.Due to long-term inflammation, cells in the bladder mucosa may undergo transformations, ultimately risking the development of cancerous tumors.
As long as you consult your doctor promptly, both problems can be solved smoothly.According to expert recommendations, symptoms of acute cystitis can be eliminated within 5-7 days, while chronic inflammation requires at least 10 days.The course of the disease fluctuates, and the interval between attacks is usually about one month.
Causes of cystitis
The main causes of bladder inflammation are pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi.Most commonly, doctors encounter infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and E. coli.These organisms may be part of the normal microbiota of the external genitalia and enter the urinary tract due to poor hygiene or unprotected sexual intercourse.
Urologists have even identified conditional "honeymoon cystitis," a condition that sometimes occurs in women who have just become sexually active.In this case, the partner's microbiota becomes the cause of an intense inflammatory process.
Common causes of the disease also include poor hygiene of the external genitalia, thrush (candidiasis), as well as a variety of sexually transmitted diseases and allergies to hygiene products.
Cystitis during menstruation
Menstrual bleeding is another common cause of acute or worsening chronic cystitis.Bloody discharge often carries large amounts of bacteria that can enter the bladder.Abdominal pain is often attributed to typical menstrual pain.
symptom
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;
- Changes in the appearance of urine: cloudy, blood, mucus.
doctor's expert opinion
If the inflammation is severe, local symptoms may be accompanied by general symptoms: 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 depends largely on the form of pathology.
Cystitis and pregnancy
Expectant mothers often suffer from cystitis.The increased propensity for inflammation is due to decreased systemic and local immunity.This can exacerbate a variety of latent illnesses, including bladder infections.Another risk factor is that the enlarging uterus keeps putting pressure on the organs, causing frequent urination.
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, disruption of fetoplacental blood flow, as well as an increased risk of miscarriage.
hemorrhagic cystitis
Hemorrhagic cystitis is a special, very serious and dangerous disease that usually occurs against the background of adenovirus infection.Its characteristics are:
- Frequent and painful urination;
- Severe pain in the abdomen, radiating to the perineum;
- blood in urine;
- General poisoning and fever.
The presence of blood in the urine is a sign to seek immediate medical attention.Hemorrhagic cystitis progresses rapidly, rising higher to cause pyelonephritis.In severe cases, the infection can penetrate the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.Sometimes the disease becomes chronic.
Cystitis in cancer
If malignant or benign tumors begin to form in the bladder mucosa, it impairs the organ's ability to stretch, causing the urge to urinate even with a small amount of urine.This condition is rarely accompanied by severe pain and usually has few symptoms.This is why all long-standing cystitis requires special attention and a thorough examination of the patient for the presence of a neoplastic process.
Radiation cystitis can also occur with appropriate treatment.Ionizing radiation causes the bladder mucosa to atrophy and scar its walls.This leads to a gradual deterioration in organ function.
Treatment of cystitis
Cystitis treatment in specialized clinics is carried out under the supervision of experienced urologists.Before formulating a treatment plan, the doctor will thoroughly evaluate the patient's condition to select the most appropriate treatment.Research helps clarify the cause and intensity of inflammation:
- General blood and urinalysis;
- Urine bacterial culture;
- Cystoscopy (using special optics to examine the bladder from the inside);
- Ultrasound examination of abdominal organs, kidneys, bladder, etc.
Generally speaking, cystitis can be treated on an outpatient basis.The patient rests in bed or semi-bed at home and takes the medications recommended by the doctor in strict accordance with the schedule and dosage.To eliminate inflammatory phenomena, drugs of different categories can be prescribed:
- Choose antibiotics based on the susceptibility 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 mucosa and reaches the site of inflammation);
- Antifungal drugs that target the fungal nature of the disease;
- Physical therapy: electrophoresis, sound wave therapy, ultra-high frequency, magnetic therapy, induction therapy.
It is important to understand that self-treatment of cystitis can cause complications.The disease can become chronic and lead to kidney inflammation, bladder cyst formation and other problems.For the same reason, even if your condition improves, you should not change medications or stop taking them without permission.
diet
Diet for cystitis is designed to promote body functions and normalize the composition of urine.Ideally, it is necessary to adhere to a dairy-vegetable diet rich in fruits, vegetables and dairy products.It is recommended to limit the use of greasy and fried foods, spicy and salty foods, and spices as much as possible.Alcohol consumption in any form or dose is strictly prohibited until treatment is complete.But drinking clean water should be unrestricted and more often than usual.
Remember, cystitis is more than just pain or pain when urinating.An insidious disease can become chronic and very dangerous.Experienced experts at professional clinics will conduct necessary examinations, diagnoses and take effective treatment measures to eliminate inflammation in the shortest possible time.Don't delay seeing your doctor; visit a clinic at the first sign of symptoms.