Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder.Most often, this disease occurs in women due to the structural features of the urinary tract.The female urethra (urethra) differs from the male urethra by its short length and wide lumen, as well as the absence of curves.This facilitates the movement of the infection from the external genitals to the bladder.
Forms of the disease.
The features of the course of the disease make it possible to distinguish between acute and chronic cystitis.In the first case, the pathology occurs abruptly and is characterized by vivid and pronounced symptoms.The chronic form usually occurs in waves, the characteristic signs appear and disappear and the process itself lasts over time.This usually occurs against the background of existing diseases of the genitourinary system.
The acute form of cystitis requires immediate consultation with 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.In case of prolonged inflammation, the cells of the bladder mucous membrane can transform, which ultimately risks leading to the development of a cancerous tumor.
With a timely consultation with a doctor, both problems can be successfully resolved.Following the recommendations of a specialist, the symptoms of acute cystitis can be eliminated within 5-7 days, and chronic inflammation will take at least 10 days.With a wavy course of the disease, the intervals between attacks are usually about a month.
Causes of cystitis
The main cause of bladder inflammation is pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi.Most often, doctors find infections caused by streptococcus, staphylococcus and E. coli.These microbes can be part of the normal microflora of the external genitalia, enter the urinary tract due to poor hygiene or unprotected sexual intercourse.
Urologists even identify conditional "honeymoon cystitis", which sometimes occurs in women who are just beginning to become sexually active.In this case, the partner's microflora 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 various sexually transmitted diseases and allergies to hygiene products.
Cystitis during menstruation.
Menstrual bleeding is another common reason for the development of acute cystitis or exacerbation of chronic cystitis.The bloody discharge often carries a large number of bacteria that can enter the bladder.Abdominal pain is often attributed to typical menstrual pain.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of the disease include:
- frequent and painful need to urinate;
- pain or feeling of discomfort, distension in the lower abdomen;
- burning and pain during and immediately after urine production;
- change in the appearance of urine: cloudiness, blood, mucus.
Expert opinion of a doctor.
With significant inflammation, local symptoms can be joined by general ones: fever, weakness, chills, headache.If the inflammation has affected not only the mucosa 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 largely depends on the form of the pathology.
Cystitis and pregnancy
Pregnant women often suffer from cystitis.The increased tendency to inflammation is explained by a decrease in immunity, both general and local.This contributes to the exacerbation of a variety of latent diseases, including bladder infections.An additional risk factor is the constant compression of the organ by the increased size of the uterus, which causes a frequent need to urinate.
Cystitis is very dangerous for a pregnant woman and her fetus, as it can cause unpleasant and dangerous complications: pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), high blood pressure, impaired fetoplacental blood flow and an increased risk of miscarriage.
hemorrhagic cystitis
Hemorrhagic cystitis is a special, very serious and dangerous form of the disease, which usually appears against the background of 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 and cause 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 on the mucous membrane of the bladder, this affects the organ's ability to stretch and causes the urge to urinate even a small amount of urine.The condition is rarely accompanied by severe pain and is often characterized by few symptoms.That is why all chronic cystitis requires special attention and a thorough examination of the patient to detect the presence of an oncological process.
There is also radiation cystitis that occurs when undergoing appropriate therapy.Ionizing radiation causes atrophy of the bladder mucosa and the formation of scars on its wall.This leads to a gradual deterioration in the functioning of the organ.
Cystitis treatment
Treatment of cystitis in a professional clinic is carried out under the supervision of experienced urologists.Before prescribing therapy, the doctor thoroughly evaluates the patient's condition to select the most appropriate methods.Research helps clarify the causes and intensity of inflammation:
- general blood and urine tests;
- urine bacterial culture;
- cystoscopy (examination of the bladder from the inside using special optics);
- Ultrasound of the abdominal organs, kidneys, bladder and other tests.
As a rule, cystitis can be treated on an outpatient basis.The patient is at home, resting in bed or semi-bed, taking the medications recommended by the doctor, strictly following the schedule and dosage.To eliminate inflammation, drugs from several 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 more quickly through the mucous membrane and reach the site of inflammation);
- antifungal medications for the fungal nature of the disease;
- Physiotherapy: electrophoresis, phonophoresis, UHF, magnetotherapy, inductotherapy.
It is important to understand that self-medication in the case of cystitis is fraught with complications.The disease can become chronic and cause inflammation of the kidneys, formation of cysts in the bladder and other problems.For the same reasons, you should not change medications or stop taking medications without permission, even if your condition has improved.
Diet
The diet for cystitis is designed to facilitate the functioning of the body and normalize the composition of urine.Ideally, you need to follow a dairy and plant-based diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.It is recommended to limit fatty and fried foods, spicy and salty foods as much as possible, 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 when urinating.An insidious disease can become chronic and become truly dangerous.Experienced specialists from a professional clinic will conduct the necessary examinations, make a diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment, eliminating inflammation in the shortest possible time.Do not delay your visit to the doctor;Sign up for a clinic at the first symptoms.