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 curves.This facilitates the movement of the infection from the external genitalia to the bladder.
Forms of the disease
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 pronounced and vivid symptoms.The chronic form usually occurs in waves, characteristic signs appear and disappear, and the process itself stretches over time.This often occurs against the background of existing diseases of the genitourinary system.
The acute form of cystitis requires you to consult a doctor immediately.Severe pain is often accompanied by urinary incontinence.In the chronic course, the patient may not be in a hurry, but the situation in this case is much more dangerous.With prolonged inflammation, cells in the mucous membrane of the bladder can transform, which can lead 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 require at least 10 days.With the undulating 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 encounter infections caused by streptococci, staphylococci, 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 have just begun to be 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, candidiasis (candidiasis), as well as a variety of 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.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 urge to urinate;
- pain or feeling of discomfort, distension in the lower abdomen;
- burning and pain during urine production and immediately after;
- change in the appearance of urine: cloudiness, blood, mucus.
Expert opinion from a doctor
With significant inflammation, local symptoms may be accompanied by general symptoms: 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
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 underlying diseases, including bladder infections.An additional risk factor is the constant compression of the organ by the enlarged uterus, which causes a frequent urge to urinate.
Cystitis is very dangerous for a pregnant woman and the fetus, as it can cause unpleasant and dangerous complications: pyelonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys), high blood pressure, disruption of fetoplacental blood flow, as well as an increased risk of miscarriage.
Hemorrhagic cystitis
Hemorrhagic cystitis is a special, very serious and dangerous form of the disease, usually occurring against the background of an adenovirus infection.It is characterized by:
- very frequent and painful urination;
- intense 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, increase, causing 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 impairs the organ's ability to stretch and causes the urge to urinate even with a small amount of urine.The condition is rarely accompanied by severe pain and is generally characterized by few symptoms.That is why any long-lasting cystitis requires special attention and a thorough examination of the patient for the presence of an oncological process.
There is also radiation cystitis that occurs during 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 assesses the patient's condition to select the most suitable methods.Research helps clarify the causes and intensity of inflammation:
- general blood and urine analysis;
- urine bacterial culture;
- cystoscopy (examination of the bladder from the inside using special optics);
- Ultrasound of abdominal organs, kidneys, bladder and other examinations.
As a rule, cystitis can be treated on an outpatient basis.The patient stays at home, on bed or semi-bed rest, taking the medications recommended by the doctor, strictly following the schedule and dosage.To eliminate inflammatory phenomena, medications 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 faster 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 can cause 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 your medicine or stop taking it without permission, even if your condition has improved.
Diet
The diet for cystitis is aimed at facilitating the functioning of the body and normalizing the composition of urine.Ideally, it is necessary to adhere to a dairy-vegetable diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and dairy products.It is recommended to limit fatty and fried foods, spicy and salty foods, as well as the use of seasonings as much as possible.Alcohol in any form or dose is strictly prohibited until treatment is completed.But clean water should be consumed without restrictions and in larger quantities than usual.
Remember that cystitis is not just pain or painful urination.An insidious disease can become chronic and become truly dangerous.Experienced specialists from a professional clinic will carry out the necessary examinations, diagnose 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.