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 in its short length and wide lumen, as well as the absence of bends.This facilitates the movement of the infection from the external genitalia 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 occurs suddenly and is characterized by pronounced, vivid symptoms.The chronic form often proceeds in waves, characteristic signs appear and disappear, and the process itself is prolonged over time.Usually this happens against the background of existing diseases of the genitourinary system.
An acute form of cystitis forces you to consult a doctor immediately.Severe pain is often accompanied by urinary incontinence.With a chronic course, the patient may not be in a hurry, but the situation in this case is much more dangerous.With prolonged inflammation, the cells of the bladder lining can transform, which eventually risks leading to the development of a cancerous tumor.
With 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 in 5-7 days, and chronic inflammation will take 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, get into the urinary tract due to poor hygiene or unprotected sexual intercourse.
Urologists even identify the conditional "honeymoon cystitis", which sometimes occurs in women who have just begun to have sex.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 various sexually transmitted diseases and allergies to hygiene products.
Cystitis during menstruation
Menstrual bleeding is another common cause of acute or exacerbation of chronic cystitis.Bloody discharge often carries large numbers of bacteria that can enter the bladder.Abdominal pain is often attributed to typical period pain.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of the disease include:
- frequent, painful urge to urinate;
- pain or discomfort, bloating in the lower abdomen;
- burning and pain during urination and immediately after it;
- change in the appearance of urine: turbidity, blood, mucus.
Expert opinion of a doctor
In case of significant inflammation, local symptoms may join general ones: fever, weakness, chills, headache.If the inflammation has affected not only the mucous membrane 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
Expectant mothers 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 various latent diseases, including bladder infections.An additional risk factor is the constant pressure on the organ by the enlarging uterus, which causes frequent urges 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, violation of fetoplacental blood flow, as well as an increased risk of miscarriage.
Hemorrhagic cystitis
Hemorrhagic cystitis is a special, very severe and dangerous form of the disease, usually occurring 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 for immediate consultation with a doctor.Hemorrhagic cystitis can progress very quickly, rising, causing pyelonephritis.In severe cases, the infection enters 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 lining of the bladder, it disrupts the ability of the organ 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 require special attention and a thorough examination of the patient for the presence of an oncological process.
There is also radiation cystitis, which occurs when appropriate therapy is carried out.Ionizing radiation causes atrophy of the bladder mucosa and scarring of 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 therapy, the doctor comprehensively assesses 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 studies.
As a rule, cystitis can be treated on an outpatient basis.The patient is at home, on bed or semi-bed rest, taking the drugs recommended by the doctor, strictly following the schedule and dosage.To eliminate inflammatory phenomena, drugs from 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 mucous membrane and reach the site of inflammation);
- antifungal drugs for the fungal nature of the disease;
- physiotherapy: electrophoresis, phonophoresis, UHF, magnetotherapy, inductotherapy.
It is important to understand that self-treatment in the case of cystitis is fraught with the development of complications.The disease can become chronic and lead to inflammation of the kidneys, 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.
diet
The diet for cystitis is designed to facilitate the functioning of the body and normalize the composition of urine.Ideally, you should stick to a dairy-vegetable diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.It is recommended to maximally limit 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 pure water should be consumed without restrictions and in larger quantities than usual.
Remember that cystitis is not just pain or pain when urinating.An insidious disease can become chronic and become really dangerous.Experienced specialists from a professional clinic will conduct the necessary examinations, make a diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment, getting rid of the inflammation in the shortest possible time.Do not delay your visit to the doctor;make an appointment at the clinic at the first symptoms.