In most cases, chronic forms of inflammatory diseases of the urogenital area are the result of an unprofessional approach to therapy. The disease cannot be eliminated if the symptoms and treatment of cystitis in women do not match. The drugs promoted by the TV advertisement bring only temporary relief and after a while the disease returns again.
The only way to get rid of cystitis is to find out the cause of the disease and undergo a full course of treatment under the supervision of a professional urologist.
Cystitis - causes in women
In medicine, the term "cystitis" unites several types of symptomatic urinary pathologies in which the bladder mucosa 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 related to all physiological systems, therefore functional deviations in the internal organs in one way or another affect the health of the woman's urogenital sphere.
The development of the inflammatory process can be preceded by:
- viral or bacterial infections - flu, tonsillitis, sinusitis, staphylococcus aureus, trichomonas, E. coli, caries, furunculosis;
- hypothermia;
- alergic reaction;
- hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause;
- acquired diseases - diabetes mellitus, colitis, spinal injuries, nephrological and endocrine pathologies, tumor formations;
- taking medication;
- reduced immunity;
- abnormality in the development of the organs of the genitourinary system;
- insufficient hygiene of the genital organs;
- acute forms of cystitis most often appear against the background of congestion in the excretory system.
The paths of penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the bladder are also different. In diseases of the upper respiratory tract, the infection spreads through 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 urine.
Factors contributing to the development of cystitis include wearing tight synthetic underwear, a tendency to constipation, frequent changes of sexual partners, the subject of unprotected sex, as well as conditions that reduce the potential of the immune system - stress, lack of sleep, excessive physical exertion. , irregular eating.
The main symptoms and signs of the disease
The development of cystitis can be acute or with gradually increasing symptoms. The characteristic signs of acute cystitis are cramps and pain during urination.
But as the disease progresses, symptoms such as:
- discomfort in the genital area and pubis;
- itching and burning in the perineum - the result of irritating effects of toxic substances accumulated in the urine;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- pain in the lower abdomen and back, a feeling of fullness;
- headache;
- increased fatigue;
- slight increase in body temperature;
- cloudy urine;
- strong unpleasant smell of urine;
- a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder;
- the appearance of blood in the urine may indicate the development of complications.
Allergic or infectious cystitis in 95% of cases is accompanied by itching.
Complications of the disease
Due to the high prevalence (the pathology is diagnosed in 40% of women in the world), the severity of the consequences of cystitis is often underestimated.
With proper treatment, in the absence of reasons supporting the course of the pathology, the symptoms of acute cystitis disappear and the woman's well-being improves significantly. If the necessary therapeutic effect is missing, the disease acquires a chronic form of the course, which is fraught with serious health complications.
Chronic cystitis is characterized by damage to most of the bladder mucosa. 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 development of the pathological process leads to complications that threaten the health of vital organs and systems:
- in 95% of cases, kidney diseases occur - pyelonephritis, kidney failure;
- organic changes in the tissues of the bladder are fraught with rupture of its walls and development of peritonitis;
- frequent inflammation is one of the main reasons for the formation of adhesions;
- decrease in reproductive function, the danger of a complete loss of the ability to bear children;
- urethritis;
- tumor processes;
- formation of ulcers on the walls of the bladder, bleeding;
- urolithiasis disease;
- muscle damage and loss of bladder tissue tone, leading to bladder dysfunction and urinary retention.
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 urinary tract pathologies may develop vesicoureteral reflux, in which urine backs up from the bladder back into the kidneys. The consequence of the pathology is vulvovaginitis and ascending infection of the bladder.
Puberty is the second period in a woman's life that is important in terms of the degree of susceptibility to cystitis. In addition to the hormonal changes inherent in puberty, there is an added risk of infection during unprotected sex.
Menopause manifests itself not only in a decrease in hormonal levels in the female body, but also in a decrease in the protective properties of the mucous membrane of the bladder, as well as in 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
Medical examination of patients with suspected cystitis includes not only confirming the diagnosis, but also determining the underlying disease that provoked inflammation of the bladder mucosa.
Along with examining the anamnestic data and symptoms of the disease, urologists use the following diagnostic measures:
- general analysis of urine;
- general blood analysis;
- 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;
- bacterial culture of urine.
In some cases, doctors use information obtained through a biopsy, a microscopic examination of samples of affected tissue, to make a diagnosis.
Medicines for the full course of treatment of the disease
The treatment of cystitis is to eliminate not only the inflammation of the bladder mucosa, but also the diseases that support them. The choice of therapeutic methods and means depends on the form of the disease and the pathological processes associated with it.
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 caused by bacteria.
Among the most effective antibacterial agents:
- A phosphonic antibiotic. It is produced in the form of granules. It is taken once in an acute form of cystitis;
- Tablets for cystitis and other, acute or chronic infections of the excretory system. It belongs to the group of quinolones. The active substance is pipemidic acid;
- A popular antibiotic based on nitrofuran. Appropriate when exposed to bacteria whose sensitivity to the drug is proven by culture;
- Backup antibiotic. It is prescribed if the use of other drugs has not provided a therapeutic effect. The active substance is from the group of fluoroquinolones;
- A drug from the oxyquinoline group. It is active against most bacteria and Candida fungi;
- An antimicrobial agent from the group of nitrofurans, which suppresses the activity of bacterial infections. The use of tablets is also suitable as a prevention of urinary tract diseases.
Taking antibacterial drugs is possible only according to the instructions of a doctor. Despite the high therapeutic efficacy, modern drugs have many contraindications and can cause unwanted side effects.
Antispasmodics
Means with antispasmodic properties are an indispensable component of restorative and maintenance therapy for cystitis.
The action of antispasmodics is expressed in the elimination of the spasm of the smooth muscles of the bladder and the effect of relaxation, pain relief.
Taking antispasmodics is suitable 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 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Along with the elimination of inflammatory processes, the drugs of this group provide an analgesic effect, relieving pain and discomfort inherent in the pathology.
Phytopreparations
The use of phytopreparations is an effective way to enhance the effect of drug therapy. Herbal medicines are based on natural plant components with biological activity.
- A product that contains extracts of the oregano herb, carrot seeds, hop seedlings, as well as mint leaf and Siberian fir oils. It has an antiseptic, antispasmodic and diuretic effect. It is available in the form of capsules, syrup or drops.
- Tablets based on plant extracts with nephrolytic and antimicrobial properties.
- Paste based on orange and fir oils. It has a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect. Prevents the development of urolithiasis.
Taking phytopreparations is most effective in 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 the beneficial microflora.
To maintain the natural physiological level of the microflora of the mucous membranes of the intestines and genitals, it is necessary to use probiotics - nutritional supplements containing live cultures of microorganisms.
Treatment of a chronic form of the disease
To get rid of the chronic form of the disease, it is necessary to diagnose all potential foci of infection and provide complex therapy that suppresses the vital activity of pathogens and its 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 outflow of urine and the elimination of all possible foci of infection. Treatment includes taking immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drugs, and in some cases, surgical correction;
- disease prevention - a set of measures that prevent the possibility of the recurrence of infection.
As additional therapeutic measures, physiotherapy is prescribed - electrophoresis, electrical tissue stimulation, laser exposure, as well as special exercises that normalize blood circulation in the pelvic organs.
Folk remedies for the treatment of cystitis in women
The list of folk remedies recommended for the treatment of cystitis includes well-known and affordable herbal remedies: decoction of fennel seeds, infusion of millet, teas, infusions and baths of chamomile, infusion of parsley seeds and St. John's wort teas.
In addition, cranberry leaves and cranberries are considered an indispensable component of the home treatment of cystitis.
Thanks to the unique composition, blueberry leaves provide a complex therapeutic effect on the organs of the genitourinary sphere - antimicrobial, diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Blueberry leaf tea is prepared according to the recipe for making ordinary leaf tea. Take half a cup of this tea three times a day.
The use of cranberry-based drinks provides a powerful healing effect.
Thanks to cranberry proanthocyanidins, berry tea:
- suppresses the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms;
- prevents the deposition of pathogens on the walls of the organs of the excretory system;
- relieves inflammation;
- protects the body from fungi and microbes;
- increases the elasticity of blood vessels;
- has an immunomodulatory effect.
Fresh or frozen blueberries are used to prepare a medicinal drink. The fruits are crushed, poured with boiled water and held in a steam bath for 10 minutes. Two glasses of 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 remove the inflammation and start the recovery of the damaged tissues of the bladder.
In addition, a properly organized diet supports the functionality of the microflora that lives on the mucous membranes of the internal organs. This ensures the elimination and elimination of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as the normalization of recovery processes.
The therapeutic diet is based on specially selected products and drinking regime.
It is extremely important that the diet is in accordance with the following principles:
- all consumed products 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 canning;
- limiting the intake of protein-containing foods;
- when cooking, you should limit yourself to minimal heat treatment;
- strong drinks and alcohol are completely excluded;
- the total amount of fluid tested per day is at least two liters.
During the entire course of treatment, cereals, light vegetable soups, boiled meat and low-fat fish, yogurt, low-fat salty cheese, cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, parsley, pomegranate, watermelon and pear are recommended.
Of the drinks, preference should be given to herbal teas and fruit drinks made from blueberries and cranberries.
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 a relapse:
- timely treatment of any diseases;
- minimizing stress;
- compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- taking a shower is preferable to a bath;
- regular visits to a gynecologist and urologist, testing;
- 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 - their heat is deceptive and the risk of illness is too high.