In most cases, chronic forms of inflammatory diseases of the urogenital area are the result of an unprofessional therapeutic approach. The disease cannot be eliminated if the symptoms and treatment of cystitis in women do not match. The drugs imposed by television advertising only provide 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 full treatment under the supervision of a professional urologist.
Cystitis - causes in women
In medicine, the concept of "cystitis" combines several types of symptomatic urinary pathologies, in which the mucosa of the bladder is damaged. Due to the anatomical features of the body, women suffer from cystitis several times more often than men.
The work of the bladder is associated with all physiological systems, therefore, functional deviations in the internal organs, one way or another, affect the health of the urogenital sphere of a woman.
The development of the inflammatory process may be preceded 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 cord injuries, nephrological and endocrine pathologies, tumor formations;
- taking medications;
- decreased immunity;
- anomaly in the development of the organs of the genitourinary system;
- insufficient hygiene of the genital organs;
- acute forms of cystitis most often occur against the background of congestion in the urinary system.
Pathways of penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the bladder also differ. In upper respiratory tract illnesses, the infection spreads throughout the body through the blood. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, microbes enter the genitourinary organs from the anus. Due to nephrological pathologies, infectious agents move from the kidneys together with the urine.
Contributing factors to the development of cystitis include wearing tight synthetic underwear, a tendency to constipation, frequent changes of sexual partner, having unprotected intercourse, as well as conditions that reduce the potential of the immune system. : stress, lack of sleep, excessive exercise. , irregular nutrition.
The main symptoms and signs of the disease
The development of cystitis can be acute or with gradually increasing symptoms. Characteristic signs of cystitis in acute form are cramps and pain when urinating.
But as the disease progresses, symptoms such as:
- discomfort in the genital area and the pubic area;
- itching and burning in the perineum - the result of the irritating effects of toxic substances accumulated in the urine;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- pain in the lower abdomen and back, feeling of fullness;
- headache;
- increased fatigue;
- slight increase in body temperature;
- cloudy urine;
- a strong unpleasant smell of urine;
- sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder;
- the appearance of blood in the urine may indicate the development of complications.
Cystitis of an allergic or infectious nature in 95% of cases is accompanied by itching.
disease complications
Due to the high prevalence (pathology is diagnosed in 40% of women in the world), the severity of the consequences of cystitis is often underestimated.
With proper treatment, as long as there are no causes that support the course of the pathology, the symptoms of acute cystitis disappear and the woman's well-being improves markedly. If the necessary therapeutic effect is absent, the disease takes on a chronic form of the course, which is fraught with serious health complications.
Chronic cystitis is characterized by damage to most of the mucosa 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 progress of the pathological process leads to complications that threaten the health of vital organs and systems:
- in 95% of cases, kidney disease occurs: pyelonephritis, kidney failure;
- organic change in the tissues of the bladder is fraught with rupture of its walls and the development of peritonitis;
- frequent inflammation is one of the main reasons for the formation of adhesions;
- decreased reproductive function, the danger of a complete loss of the ability to bear children;
- urethritis;
- tumor processes;
- the formation of ulcers on the walls of the bladder, bleeding;
- urolithiasis disease;
- muscle damage and loss of tone of the bladder tissues, which leads to its dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
In a woman's body during her life, there are periods when the predisposition to the development of cystitis is associated with 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 pathologies of the urinary tract can 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 of a woman's life, which is important in terms of the degree of predisposition to cystitis. In addition to the hormonal changes of puberty, there is also the risk of infection during unprotected sex.
Menopause manifests itself not only in a decrease in the hormonal level in the female body, but also in a decrease in the protective properties of the bladder mucosa, as well as a change in its anatomical position. All these changes contribute to the development of inflammation of the urinary tract and other pathologies inherent in cystitis.
diagnostic measures
A medical examination of patients with suspected cystitis involves not only confirming the diagnosis, but also determining the underlying disease that caused the inflammation of the bladder mucosa.
Along with the study of anamnestic data and symptoms of the disease, urologists use the following diagnostic measures:
- general urinalysis;
- general blood tests;
- cystoscopy - examination of the bladder through an endoscope;
- analysis of the composition of the microflora of the vagina;
- Ultrasound of the genitourinary system;
- PCR - molecular research method;
- urine bacterial culture.
In some cases, doctors use information obtained by biopsy, a microscopic examination of affected tissue samples, to make a diagnosis.
Drugs for the full course of treatment of the disease.
The treatment of cystitis consists in eliminating not only the inflammation of the mucosa of the bladder, but also the diseases that support it. The choice of therapeutic methods and means depends on the form of the disease and the associated pathological processes.
To stop the symptoms of an 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 course of treatment for acute cystitis is 7 days. An interrupted course of treatment is one of the main reasons for the development of a chronic form of cystitis.
antibacterial drugs
The appointment of antibacterial drugs is appropriate for cystitis, the causative agent of which is a bacterium.
Among the most effective antibacterial agents:
- phosphonic antibiotic. Produced in the form of granules. It is taken once in the acute form of cystitis;
- Tablets for cystitis and other acute or chronic infections of the urinary system. It belongs to the group of quinolones. The active substance is pipemidic acid;
- A popular antibiotic based on nitrofuran. Relevant when exposed to bacteria, the sensitivity of which to the drug is demonstrated by seeding;
- Reserve antibiotic. It is prescribed if the use of other drugs has not provided a therapeutic effect. The active substance belongs to the group of fluoroquinolones;
- Drug from the group of oxyquinolines. It is active against most Candida bacteria and fungi;
- An antimicrobial agent from the group of nitrofurans that suppresses the activity of bacterial infections. The use of tablets is also appropriate as a prophylactic for diseases of the urinary tract.
Taking any antibacterial drug is possible only as directed by a doctor. Despite the high therapeutic efficacy, modern drugs have many contraindications and can cause unwanted side reactions.
antispasmodics
Means with antispasmodic properties are an indispensable component of restorative and maintenance therapy for cystitis.
The action of antispasmodic drugs is expressed in the elimination of spasm of the smooth muscles of the bladder and the relaxation effect, relieving pain.
Taking antispasmodics is appropriate both for acute forms of cystitis and for relapses of chronic infections.
anti-inflammatory pills
To relieve inflammation of the bladder mucosa with cystitis, it is recommended to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Along with the elimination of inflammatory processes, the drugs of this group provide an analgesic effect, relieving the pain and discomfort inherent in the pathology.
Phytopreparations
The use of phytopreparations is an effective way to enhance the impact of drug therapy. Herbal remedies are based on natural plant components with biological activity.
- A product that contains herb extracts of oregano, carrot seeds, hop seedlings, as well as oils of mint and Siberian fir leaves. Provides antiseptic, antispasmodic and diuretic action. Available in the form of capsules, syrup or drops.
- Tablets based on plant extracts with nephrolytic and antimicrobial properties.
- Pasta based on orange and fir oils. It has a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect. Prevents the development of urolithiasis.
The reception of phytopreparations is most effective at the initial stage of development of cystitis.
probiotics
As a result of exposure to infectious microorganisms and after taking antibiotics, there may be a decrease in the activity of beneficial microflora.
To maintain the natural physiological level of the microflora of the mucous membranes of the intestines and genital organs, it is necessary to use probiotics - food supplements that contain live cultures of microorganisms.
Treatment of the chronic form of the disease.
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 their consequences.
The main methods of treatment of chronic cystitis:
- etiological therapy is aimed at eliminating the causative agent of the infection and consists in taking antibacterial drugs;
- pathogenetic therapy allows you to restore the functions of the immune system, normalize the hormonal background and eliminate structural pathologies of internal organs. The main goals of therapy are the restoration of the natural flow of urine and the elimination of all possible foci of infection. Treatment consists of taking immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drugs and, in some cases, surgical correction;
- disease prevention - 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 and special exercises that normalize blood circulation in the pelvic organs.
Folk remedies for cystitis in women
The list of recommended folk remedies for the treatment of cystitis includes well-known and affordable herbal remedies: a decoction of dill seeds, infusion of millet, pharmaceutical chamomile teas, infusions and baths, infusion of parsley seeds and teas of St. Juan.
Also, lingonberry leaves and cranberries are considered an invariable component of cystitis home treatment.
Due to the unique composition, lingonberry leaf provides a complex therapeutic effect on the organs of the genitourinary sphere: antimicrobial, diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Cranberry leaf tea is prepared according to the recipe for making ordinary tea leaves. Drink this tea three times a day for half a glass.
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 the sedimentation of pathogens on the walls of the organs of the urinary system;
- relieves inflammation;
- protects the body from fungi and microbes;
- improves the elasticity of blood vessels;
- It has an immunomodulatory effect.
For the preparation of a healing drink, fresh or frozen blueberries are used. Berries are crushed, poured with boiled water and kept on a steam bath for 10 minutes. Two cups of a drink a day with the addition of honey will improve well-being and health in record time.
Nutrition and microflora
Proper nutrition during the treatment of cystitis is of particular importance. It depends on what types of products will be present in the diet, how quickly it will be possible to eliminate inflammation and begin the restoration of damaged bladder tissues.
In addition, a well-organized diet maintains the functionality of the microflora that lives in the mucous membranes of the internal organs. This ensures the elimination and removal of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as the normalization of recovery processes.
The therapeutic diet is based on specially selected products and drinking regimen.
It is extremely important that nutrition is in line with the following principles:
- all products consumed must have diuretic properties;
- the amount of salt consumed should be reduced to a minimum;
- exclude from the menu spicy, fatty, fried, smoked, sweet and dairy dishes, as well as preservation;
- 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 drunk per day is at least two liters.
During the entire course of treatment, it is recommended to use cereals, light vegetable soups, low-fat boiled meat and fish, yogurt, low-fat salty cheese, cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, parsley, pomegranate, watermelon and pear.
Of the drinks, preference should be given to herbal teas and fruit drinks from cranberries and lingonberries.
Prevention of cystitis
The predisposition to the disease remains throughout the life of a woman who has had cystitis at least once.
Preventive measures will help prevent recurrence:
- timely treatment of any ailments;
- minimize stress;
- compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- showering is preferable to bathing;
- regular visits to the gynecologist and urologist, tests;
- 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 health for beauty and always dress according to the weather, especially in spring and autumn - its heat is deceptive, and the risk of getting sick is too high.