Occurrence of cystitis: features of the disease and methods of its treatment

No single person is immune from cystitis, and gender and age category do not matter at all.However, due to anatomical features, cystitis develops in women much more often than in the stronger sex.What are we talking about when doctors make such a diagnosis?Cystitis refers to inflammatory processes that occur in the genitourinary system and that mainly affect the bladder and urinary tracts.The disease is accompanied by pain and increased frequency of urinary processes.

Important.In the absence of timely, competent treatment, the disease threatens to become chronic, which is fraught with annual exacerbations accompanied by unpleasant manifestations.

Therefore, when the first symptoms that indicate the formation of cystitis appear, it is necessary to contact a medical specialist to confirm the diagnosis and develop a therapeutic regimen.

How are inflammatory processes classified?

When determining a diagnosis, doctors take into account classifications divided by morphology, symptoms, provoking causes and many other factors.In accordance with the stages of development of the pathology, the following are distinguished:

• Acute cystitis.In this case, inflammatory processes appear suddenly, a short time after the patient has been affected by the etiological factor in the formation of the disease.In this case, the symptoms that arise are very vivid, as a result the victim can accurately name the day when the pathology began.Women, whose age falls in the range of 20-40 years, are more sensitive to the effects of acute cystitis.According to statistics, the number of thirty-year-old representatives of the fairer sex who have suffered from the disease reaches 30%.In men, according to statistical data, only seven out of 10,000 people suffer from an acute form of cystitis.Usually, the development of this form is provoked by various bacterial pathogens.
• Chronic cystitis.In this form, inflammatory processes in the mucous layer of the bladder are constantly present, periods of irritation are interspersed with remissions.In most cases, they occur against the background of an acute inflammatory process.Chronic cystitis in women, and even in men, is diagnosed quite often, since many patients do not go to medical institutions in a timely manner.

On the other hand, there are several types of chronic cystitis, which depend on the clinical course of the disease:

• Latent form.It is characterized by an asymptomatic course for a long time, exacerbations are often observed or are quite rare and can occur twice a year.Typically, the latent pathology does not cause any special problems for the patient;accordingly, it is discovered completely by chance during an examination for other problems.
• Interstitial form.Problems with this form mainly affect the urinary system.Despite the fact that the origin of the disease is not bacterial, it is very difficult to treat.
• Continuous form.The pathology appears as a result of an advanced infectious process and on the basis of cystitis, which appears in an acute form.

Due to the constantly present inflammation, the mucous layer changes in its structure, and accordingly other forms of the disease develop - ulcerative, polypic, crusting, cystic and necrotic.In addition, there are differences in the course of the pathology;Therefore, cystitis can be:

• PRIMARY- develops as an independent disease, the appearance of which is provoked by bacterial agents that penetrate the mucous layer of the organ and other reasons.
• Medium- its formation occurs in parallel with the main pathology and cystitis in this case should be perceived as a complication.

Secondary cystitis is divided into two larger groups - one includes the extravesical form of the pathology, the second is the secondary cystic type of the disease.The development of cystic cystitis is due to the presence of tumors, stones in the bladder, anomalies in its formation, injuries and the consequences of surgery.The appearance of extravesical pathology is provoked by other pathological conditions and other conditions related to the functioning of the bladder, including pregnancy, the presence of prostate adenoma and damage to other systems or organs.

The reasons for the formation of the pathological process

The reasons that contribute to the formation of the inflammatory process are classified according to the etiology of the phenomenon.Cystitis can be:

• Infectious.It is provoked by viruses, bacteria or fungi that penetrate the urethral canal along the ascending or descending path and penetrate the mucous layer of the bladder, subsequently exerting a pathogenic effect on organs and systems.This type of pathology is diagnosed in 80%.
• Traumatic.It usually develops against the background of organ damage, which is accompanied by infectious infection.
• After the operation.Pathology may develop due to the need to use a urinary catheter after surgery.However, it is not able to completely prevent the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the urethral canal.
• Diabetes.It appears as a secondary pathology in patients with diabetes mellitus.
• Allergic.The pathological phenomenon is provoked by various means to support intimate hygiene, which can cause an allergic response in the patient.
• Dyhormonal.It is very often observed in women during menopause due to changes in the hormonal system, due to which the functioning of other organs changes.

There are other reasons that can provoke the formation of cystitis.Thus, inflammatory processes can be caused by taking certain pharmaceutical drugs that provoke the production of acrolein.This substance irritates the mucous membrane of the bladder.The risk of cystitis increases if the following factors are present:

• Wearing synthetic underwear, especially when they fit tightly on the body.At the same time, the active spread of bacteria in the genitals begins.
• Promiscuous sexual contacts with untested partners will inevitably become the cause of a sexually transmitted infectious pathology.And any such disease can provoke cystitis.
• The presence of intestinal diseases and constipation, which results in the active proliferation of opportunistic microorganisms that can penetrate the urinary tract.
• Some kidney diseases can develop in the bladder.
• A sufficiently strong immune system is unable to resist pathogenic microorganisms that enter the urethral canal.

Despite the fact that the causes of cystitis in women and men are mostly similar, there are certain differences.Thus, in most cases, representatives of the fairer sex suffer because of the structure of the urethra.Its opening is located near the anus, and the canal itself is large in width and short in length.This anatomical feature greatly simplifies the penetration of bacteria and E. coli into the canal.

Causes of cystitis in women also include hormonal changes during pregnancy;such changes can significantly impair local immunity.We must not forget about menopause, when the production of estrogen in the female body decreases significantly.But it is this hormone that directly affects the bladder membrane.The structure of the female reproductive system is also important - it includes many organs that are characterized by the development of inflammatory processes that are then transferred to the urinary system.

Men suffer from cystitis many times less than women, however, they have their own specific factors, the presence of which causes the formation of pathology:

• Stagnation of urine in the presence of mechanical obstacles - stones, neoplasms, diverticula, foreign objects that prevent the flow of fluid.
• Phimosis, characterized by narrowing of the foreskin.
• Inflammatory processes can be caused by an infection that spreads from the urethra, prostate, seminal vesicles, testicles and appendages.

Important.There are other factors that are not related to the genitourinary system, but contribute to the development of cystitis in the stronger sex - diabetes, stressful situations, abuse of spicy foods and alcoholic beverages.

Spinal cord injuries, hypothermia and transurethral surgery can have a negative impact.

How does cystitis appear?

Symptoms accompanying inflammatory processes can be different and depend on the form of the pathology.It should be remembered that the symptoms and treatment of cystitis in women, men and children are closely related.Acute and chronic cystitis manifest differently;in the first case, a sudden onset is characteristic:

• Very frequent urination processes, reaching 8-15 trips to the toilet, while the single volumes of urine are small.
• At the end of emptying the bladder, aches and pains appear in the urethra.
• Pulling pain occurs in the lower abdomen, above the pubis, in the lower back and in the pelvis.
• Chills appear during the excretion of urine.
• After the process of urination, there remains a feeling of an incompletely emptied bladder.
• The temperature may rise slightly, but more often it remains within the usual range.
• There is a general feeling of regret.
• The excreted urine is not transparent enough;Bloody inclusions can be observed in the cloudy liquid, which are released in small quantities in the last moments of urination.

If the treatment of the acute form is timely and adequate, the negative symptoms disappear after three to five days.As for the chronic form of the pathology, such a diagnosis is made when exacerbations are observed at least twice a year, or negative symptoms are constantly present, but not clearly expressed.During exacerbations, signs of pathology are characteristic of the acute form, and during remissions, symptoms may be completely absent.In this case, the analyzes will not have any deviation.The most characteristic signs of chronic cystitis are:

• Frequent urination - up to 9-12 times, during which moderate pain and a burning sensation periodically appear.Throughout the day, there is an alternation of painful and normal processes.
• Even a slight cooling of the body or a violation of the principles of a healthy diet leads to discomfort during urination.Often the discomfort develops into aggravation, and the clinical picture becomes vivid.
• Pain in the lumbar region, in the area above the pubis, in the pelvis becomes constant, although weak.
• Occasionally, the patient is disturbed by the imperative desire to urinate;they become more visible during the cold period.
• The secreted fluid not only becomes cloudy, but also begins to smell unpleasant.
• At night, the desire to urinate appears, which is typical for pathologies of the prostate gland, often associated with chronic cystitis.
• The changes also affect the psycho-emotional state, the patient falls into depression.

Separately, the signs of cystitis in women who give birth to a child should be considered.As practice shows, they are more susceptible to pathology than other patients.This phenomenon is due to changes in hormonal levels;under the influence of estrogens and progesterone, cystitis can develop in the initial stages of pregnancy.At the same time, it is quite difficult to distinguish it from the usual frequent urination, which is natural in such a condition.However, the absence of pain and stinging is indicative, the urine remains clear, there is no chill, and during the examination of the urine there are no traces of inflammation, which usually accompany cystitis.

In the second half of the term, trips to the bathroom become even more frequent, as the enlarged uterus puts more and more pressure on the bladder.However, the phenomenon itself does not refer to the symptoms of cystitis.The uterus puts pressure on the ureters, so that the output of urine from the kidneys worsens.The result is an expansion of the renal cavities, in which urine stagnates and pyelonephritis can develop, which is sometimes accompanied by cystitis.

Often the situation is the opposite - a pregnant woman has no signs of cystitis, but during the urine examination, inflammatory changes are detected.The diagnosis in this case sounds like "asymptomatic bacteremia".If such conditions occur, there is no need for hospitalization, as they are easily eliminated with conservative treatment.

Another situation that requires special consideration is chronic inflammation in women age 50 or older.The formation of cystitis is associated with a decrease in the level of estrogen produced, resulting in dryness of the mucous layers of the genitourinary system.As a result, cracks can be created on the surface of the areas near the labia and perineum, through which the infection can penetrate.Pathological microorganisms, once in the mucosa, easily move to the urinary bladder, especially since in old age the tone of the lower urinary system decreases significantly.The situation is often aggravated by urinary incontinence, which is typical for the older generation and develops against the background of weakened pelvic muscles.The combination of these factors provokes the formation of cystitis.

Methods for diagnosing cystitis

The correct diagnosis is a guarantee that the specialist will develop the most effective therapeutic regimen for each patient.However, the techniques used in the presence of acute and chronic forms may be different.In case of acute cystitis, the following should be prescribed:

• General examination of urine.During the examination of the fluid, leukocytes can be found in large quantities, which indicates the presence of inflammatory processes.Traces of the epithelium in the urine sample indicate that the inflammation is localized from the renal pelvis to the bladder.The presence of red blood cells indicates damaged capillaries.
• An ultrasound examination of the entire urinary system and separately of the bladder is prescribed.This method allows you to identify indirect signs of inflammatory processes occurring in the lining of the organ.Ultrasound helps detect stones and sand, which, when moved, can damage the mucosa and other layers, often causing secondary inflammation and further damage to blood vessels.
• A study of the flora under a microscope is carried out to identify the causative agent of the pathology and to confirm the fact that it was the one that provoked the formation of inflammatory processes.
• In parallel with microflora control, it is recommended to carry out an antibiogram, which makes it possible to determine which drug the pathogen is resistant to and which will be more effective.

During the diagnosis of chronic cystitis, the doctor prescribes a general analysis of urine, ultrasound, sampling of swabs for flora and the same antibiogram.These studies can be supplemented by a fluid test to determine the content of leukocytes, red blood cells and gypsum in 1 ml of urine, along with a three-cup sample.These types of tests will allow you to distinguish other diseases that develop in the genitourinary system.

Traditional treatment using medicines

Let's consider the treatment of cystitis in women.Initially, in case of an aggravation of the disease, the patient needs rest and a temporary cessation of sexual relations - she will have to give up intimacy for at least 10 days.The doctor prescribes a number of medicines that will relieve inflammation and eliminate negative symptoms.To achieve the greatest effect, the treatment should be comprehensive and based on the type of pathology and the stage of its development.When treating cystitis in women, medications should include antimicrobial agents, which may belong to different groups:

• Fluoroquinolones.
• Tetracyclines.
• Cephalosporins.
• Macrolides.
• Aminoglycosides.
• Penicillin derivatives.
• Fosfomycin.

In cases where an uncomplicated pathology is treated, antimicrobial tablets for cystitis in women are taken for three to seven days.In addition to antibiotics, are prescribed:

• Short antispasmodic courses.
• Anti-inflammatory medications.
• Plant-based diuretics - these can be kidney teas, preparations based on extracts.
• Immunomodulators, including Echinacea purpurea herb juice, ginseng root, and other similar agents.
• Dietary supplements.

In addition, instillations of the bladder can be prescribed - the organ is washed with an antiseptic solution, followed by the administration of drugs.Typically, this technique is indicated for radiation treatment, chronic cystitis, in case of intolerance to antimicrobial agents and in some cases for women who give birth to children.

Cystitis in women at home can be alleviated by applying a warm heating pad - it should be placed on the stomach or placed between the legs, but only if the form of the disease is not hemorrhagic.Physiotherapy can be used when magnetic therapy is applied to the bladder section.You should also adjust your drinking regimen by drinking at least one and a half liters of purified water during a 24-hour period.

Usually acute cystitis can be eliminated within 3-5 days.However, if the symptoms persist, the use of antimicrobial agents can be prolonged by replacing the main drug, since the pathogen may not be sensitive to the previous drug.If the form of the pathology is chronic, treatment is focused on the absence of relapses for a year or more and the elimination of symptoms.In some cases, surgical intervention is necessary, without which it is difficult to get rid of cystitis.

How to eat if you have cystitis

Proper nutrition is of great importance when cystitis occurs.The basis of the scheme is the elimination of the inflammatory process.Therefore, the diet should contain easily digestible foods and a well-chosen drinking regime.As for the principles of therapeutic nutrition, they should be as follows:

• The foods and drinks you choose should have a diuretic effect.
• It is recommended that salt consumption be kept to a minimum.
• Spicy, fatty, fried foods, canned foods and smoked foods are removed from the menu.
• It is best to process the food by steaming or cooking.
• Protein content in food should be minimal.
• You will have to give up sugar and its substitutes.
• Products should not cause constipation.

During exacerbations, strict adherence to the diet is required;the selection of drinks is of great importance.In addition to ordinary water, it is recommended to take mineral water with calcium chloride, you can cook compote from fruits without sugar and squeeze juices from vegetables.The menu should include pumpkin juice, which has an excellent diuretic effect.Cranberry and lingonberry fruit drinks will help eliminate inflammatory processes.Once a day it is useful to take herbal tea with the addition of a spoonful of natural honey;it should be prepared using blackberry leaves and corn silk.

The menu should include fresh fruits and vegetables;Preference is given to cucumbers and zucchini, carrots, spinach and pumpkins, pears and pomegranates and watermelons.Dairy products should be consumed with caution as they contain fat and calcium.Once a day you are allowed to eat a small portion of natural curd or yogurt, unsalted cheese with a minimum percentage of fat.Meat and fish should be avoided during exacerbations, gradually introducing low-fat varieties after improvement.The basis of almost every diet is porridge made from cereals;for cystitis, bran can be added to the menu.When preparing salads, olive or sunflower oil should be used as a dressing.It is allowed to eat a handful of cedar nuts within 24 hours.

There are also strict prohibitions that cannot be ignored.Diet for cystitis excludes the use of:

• Fruits with high levels of fruit acids, as they provoke irritation of the mucous layers and interfere with the healing of the surface.The list includes apples, avocados, peaches and melons, citrus fruits and pineapples.
• The use of vinegar is prohibited.
• You can not use sauces - mayonnaise, ketchup, soy sauce.They are rich in fat and contain salt.
• Sugar and sweet sweets are not indicated, as this is a favorite dish of pathogenic microorganisms, which contributes to their active reproduction.
• Alcohol promotes the removal of fluids, which leads to dehydration and irritation of the damaged organ;coffee and strong brewed tea act similarly.
• Prohibited vegetables include asparagus, tomatoes and legumes, onions and garlic, radishes and radishes, horseradish.

Important.You should completely remove from your diet all those foods that provoke and intensify the irritation and inflammatory processes that occur in the urinary bladder.

Prognosis for the development of cystitis and preventive measures

It should be understood that you should be afraid not so much of cystitis as of possible complications, including impaired urine circulation, kidney damage that leads to the development of pyelonephritis and nephritis, a weakened sphincter, which contributes to urinary incontinence.There may be a decrease in organ size and loss of elasticity.Another terrible consequence is infertility, which is caused by constant inflammation.

However, in the acute form of the pathology, the prognosis is quite favorable, unless it is a question of the development of a gangrenous or necrotic type of disease.If the acute form develops against the background of impaired urine flow, which is possible with vaginal prolapse, prostate adenoma, bladder diverticulum and others, the disease can become chronic, but the prognosis for recovery is unfavorable.Prevention of pathology can significantly reduce the risk of cystitis:

• It is necessary to avoid hypothermia and wet feet.
• A competent diet and proper menu planning are important.
• Careful intimate hygiene is necessary.
• An annual gynecological examination in women and regular prostate examination in men over forty are important.
• Strengthening the immune system is required.
• It is necessary to normalize the stool if there is constipation.

In addition, you need to treat chronic kidney diseases and eliminate sexually acquired infections.In chronic forms of cystitis, herbal preparations and diuretics should be taken at three-month intervals to prevent irritations.