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. Drugs imposed by television advertising bring only temporary relief, and after a while the disease returns again.
The only way to get rid of cystitis is to determine the cause of the disease and undergo a thorough 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 bladder mucosa is damaged. Due to the anatomical features of the body, women suffer from cystitis several times more often than men.
Bladder work is associated with all physiological systems, therefore, functional deviations in internal organs, in one way or another, affect the health of a 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;
- allergic reaction;
- hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause;
- acquired diseases - diabetes mellitus, colitis, spinal injuries, nephrological and endocrine pathologies, tumor formations;
- take medication;
- decreased immunity;
- anomaly in the development of the organs of the genitourinary system;
- insufficient hygiene of Organs genitals;
- Acute forms of cystitis most often occur against the background of congestion in the urinary system.
The routes of penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the bladder also differ. In diseases of the upper respiratory tract, 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 along with the urine.
Factors that contribute to the development of cystitis include wearing tight synthetic underwear, a tendency to constipation, frequent changes of sexual partners, unprotected sex, as well as conditions that reduce the immune system's potential - stress, lack of sleep, excessive exercise. , irregular nutrition.
The main symptoms and signs of the disease
The development of cystitis may be acute or with gradually increasing symptoms. The characteristic signs of cystitis in the acute form are cramping and pain when urinating.
But as the disease progresses, symptoms like:
- discomfort in the genital region and pubic region;
- itching and burning in the perineum - a 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.
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, 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 acquires a chronic form of the course, 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 progress of the pathological process leads to complications that threaten the health of vital organs and systems:
- in 95% of cases renal disease occurs - pyelonephritis, renal failure;
- organic change in the tissues of the bladder is fraught with rupture of its walls and development of peritonitis;
- frequent inflammation is one of the main reasons for adhesions to form;
- 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 bladder tissue tone, which leads to bladder dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
In a woman's body during her lifetime, there are periods when a 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 disorders may develop vesicoureteral reflux, in which urine returns from the bladder back to the kidneys. The consequence of the pathology is vulvovaginitis and ascending bladder infection.
Puberty is the second period in a woman's life, important due to the degree of predisposition to cystitis. In addition to the hormonal changes inherent to puberty, there is also the risk of infection during unprotected sex.
Menopause is manifested not only in a decrease in the hormonal level in the female body, but also in a decline 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 urinary tract inflammation and other pathologies inherent to 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 lining.
Along with studying anamnestic data and disease symptoms, 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 urine culture.
In some cases, doctors use information obtained from a biopsy, a microscopic examination of samples of affected tissue, to make a diagnosis.
Medications for the full course of treatment of the disease
The treatment of cystitis consists of eliminating not only the inflammation of the bladder mucosa, 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 given 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
Appointment of antibacterial drugs is appropriate for cystitis, the causative agent of which is bacteria.
Among the most effective antibacterial agents:
- Phosphonic antibiotic. Produced in the form of granules. It is taken once in the acute form of cystitis;
- Pills for cystitis and other acute or chronic infections of the urinary system. It belongs to the quinolone group. The active substance is pipemidic acid;
- A popular nitrofuran-based antibiotic. Relevant when exposed to bacteria, whose sensitivity to the drug is proven by seeding;
- Book antibiotic. It is prescribed if the use of other drugs has not provided a therapeutic effect. The active substance belongs to the fluoroquinolone group;
- Medication from the oxyquinoline group. 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 urinary tract diseases.
Taking any antibacterial medication is only possible 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 in the effect of relaxation, relieving pain.
Taking antispasmodics is appropriate for both acute forms of cystitis and 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 the pain and discomfort inherent in the pathology.
Phytopreparations
The use of phytopreparations is an effective way to increase the impact of drug therapy. Herbal remedies are based on natural plant components with biological activity.
- A product that contains herbal extracts of oregano, carrot seeds, hop seedlings, as well as peppermint and Siberian spruce leaf oils. 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.
- Paste based on orange and spruce oils. It has a diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect. Prevents the development of urolithiasis.
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 administration of 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 genitals, it is necessary to use probiotics - food supplements containing 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 potential 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 aims to eliminate the causative agent of the infection and consists of taking antibacterial drugs;
- pathogenic therapy makes it possible 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 involves the use of 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, as well as special exercises that normalize blood circulation in Organs pelvic organs.
Folk remedies for cystitis in women
The list of recommended folk remedies for treating cystitis includes well-known and affordable herbal remedies: a dill seed decoction, corn infusion, pharmaceutical chamomile teas, infusions and baths, parsley seed infusion, and St. .
In addition, blueberry leaves and cranberries are considered an invariable component of cystitis home treatment.
Due to the unique composition, blueberry leaf provides a complex therapeutic effect on the organs of the genitourinary sphere - antimicrobial, diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Blackberry leaf tea is prepared according to the recipe for making ordinary tea leaves. Drink this tea three times a day for half a cup.
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 sedimentation of pathogens on the walls of the organs of the urinary system;
- relieves inflammation;
- protects the body from fungi and microbes;
- increases the elasticity of blood vessels;
- has an immunomodulatory effect.
For the preparation of a healing drink, fresh or frozen cranberries are used. The berries are crushed, poured with boiled water and kept in 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
Adequate 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 restoration of the damaged tissues of the bladder.
In addition, a properly organized diet maintains the functionality of the microflora that lives in the mucous membranes of internal organs. This guarantees 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 intake regimen.
It is extremely important that nutrition is aligned with the following principles:
- all products consumed must have diuretic properties;
- the amount of salt consumed should be reduced to a minimum;
- exclude spicy, fatty, fried, smoked, sweet and dairy dishes from the menu, as well as preservation;
- limit the intake of foods that contain proteins;
- when cooking, you should limit yourself to the minimum heat treatment;
- strong drinks and alcohol are completely excluded;
- the total amount of liquid drunk per day is at least two liters.
During the entire treatment, it is recommended to use cereals, light vegetable soups, low-fat boiled meat and fish, yogurt, low-fat salted cheese, cabbage, zucchini, cucumber, parsley, pomegranate, watermelon and pear.
From drinks, preference should be given to herbal teas and fruit drinks from cranberries and blueberries.
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 diseases;
- minimize stress;
- compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- bathing is preferable to a bath;
- regular visits to the gynecologist and urologist, examinations;
- compliance with the consumption regime.
In summer, it is important not to miss the opportunity to wash your 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 very high.