Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder.More often, this disease occurs in women due to the structural features 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 facilitates the movement of the infection from the external genital organ 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 appears 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 genitourinary system.
The acute form of cystitis forces you to immediately consult a doctor.Severe pain is often accompanied by urinary incontinence.In a chronic course, the patient may not rush, but the situation in this case is much more dangerous.With long-term inflammation, the cells of the bladder mucosa can transform, which ultimately risks leading to the development of a cancerous tumor.
With timely consultation with the doctor, both problems can be solved successfully.Following the recommendations of a specialist, the symptoms of acute cystitis can be eliminated in 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 are 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 genital organs, enter the urinary tract due to poor hygiene or unprotected sexual intercourse.
Urologists even identify conditional "honeymoon cystitis", which sometimes occurs in women who have just begun to be sexually active.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 a number of sexually transmitted diseases and allergies to hygiene products.
Cystitis during menstruation
Menstrual bleeding is another common reason for developing or worsening acute cystitis.Bloody discharge often carries large numbers of bacteria that can enter the bladder.Abdominal pain is often attributed to typical menstrual cramps.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of the disease include:
- frequent and painful urge to urinate;
- pain or discomfort, distention in the lower abdomen;
- burning and pain during urination and immediately after it;
- change in the appearance of urine: turbidity, blood, mucus.
Doctor's expert opinion
With significant inflammation, local symptoms can be combined with general ones: fever, weakness, chills, headache.If the inflammation has affected not only the bladder mucosa, 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 mainly on the form of the pathology.
Cystitis and pregnancy
Expectant mothers often suffer from cystitis.The increased tendency to inflammation is explained by a decrease in general and local immunity.This contributes to the worsening of a number of dormant diseases, including bladder infections.An additional risk factor is the constant compression of the organ by the growing 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, disruption of fetoplacental blood circulation, as well as increased risk of miscarriage.
Hemorrhagic cystitis
Hemorrhagic cystitis is a special, very severe and dangerous form of the disease, which usually appears against the background of an adenovirus infection.It is characterized by:
- very frequent and painful urination;
- severe pain in the abdomen, radiating to the perineum;
- the appearance of blood in the urine;
- general intoxication, fever.
The appearance of blood in the urine is a signal to immediately consult a doctor.Hemorrhagic cystitis can progress very quickly, rise higher, causing pyelonephritis.In severe cases, the infection penetrates the blood and spreads throughout the body.Sometimes the disease becomes chronic.
Cystitis in cancer
If a malignant or benign tumor begins to form in the bladder mucosa, it impairs the organ's ability to stretch and provokes the urge to urinate even with a small amount of urine.The condition is rarely accompanied by severe pain and is often characterized by few symptoms.That is why all long-term cystitis requires special attention and a complete examination of the patient for the presence of an oncological process.
There is also radiation cystitis that occurs when subjected to appropriate therapy.Ionizing radiation causes atrophy of the bladder mucosa and the formation of scars on its wall.This leads to a gradual deterioration of the functioning of the organ.
Treatment of cystitis
Treatment of cystitis in a professional clinic is carried out under the supervision of experienced urologists.Before prescribing the therapy, the doctor comprehensively evaluates the patient's condition in order to choose the most appropriate methods.Research helps clarify the causes and intensity of inflammation:
- general analysis of blood and urine;
- bacterial culture of urine;
- cystoscopy (examination of the bladder from the inside using special optics);
- Ultrasound of abdominal organs, kidneys, bladder and other analyses.
As a rule, cystitis can be treated on an outpatient basis.The patient is at home, in bed or semi-bed rest, taking medications recommended by the doctor, strictly following the schedule and dosage.To eliminate inflammatory phenomena, medications of different groups can be prescribed:
- 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 mucosa 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-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 formation of bladder cysts and other problems.For the same reasons, you should not change medications or stop taking medications without permission, even if your condition has improved.
diets
The diet for cystitis is designed to facilitate the functioning of the body and normalize the composition of urine.Ideally, it is necessary to adhere to a dairy-vegetable diet with an abundance of fruits, vegetables and dairy products.It is recommended to limit as much as possible fatty and fried foods, spicy and salty foods, as well as the use of spices.Alcohol in any form or dosage is strictly prohibited until treatment is completed.But clean water should be consumed without restrictions and in larger quantities than usual.
Remember, cystitis is not just pain or pain during urination.An insidious disease can become chronic and become really dangerous.Experienced specialists of a professional clinic will perform the necessary examinations, make a diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment, getting rid of inflammation in the shortest possible time.Do not delay your visit to the doctor;register at a clinic at the first symptoms.