Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, often of infectious origin.Symptoms of the disease are painful and affect normal quality of life.Additionally, this disease can pose a serious threat to kidney health.How to recognize the first symptoms of cystitis and, most importantly, how to prevent it?An immunologist answered this question.
Causes of inflammation
The urinary system includes: kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.The main purpose of the system is to filter the blood and remove metabolic products and drugs from the body.Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder and the cause can originate from the kidneys, that is, spreading downward or conversely, upward from the urethra.
There are gender differences in the structure of the urinary system.Because women have shorter and thicker urethras.The infection spreads more easily and quickly to the bladder, so women are at risk.In clinical practice, it is customary to distinguish several types of cystitis.
- Bacterial cystitis most commonly occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra.The inflammation is caused by E. coli spreading from the anal area.Another possible route of transmission is through sexual contact.However, inflammation can be triggered by your own microbiome.
There is also non-infectious cystitis, of which there are several types:
- alternating
The exact cause of chronic inflammation is unclear.But according to statistics, it is more often noted in women.However, diagnosis and treatment are difficult due to specific images as well as lack of understanding of the cause of inflammation.
- Medicine
Inflammation can be triggered by taking certain medications.For example, chemotherapeutic agents, since the elimination of metabolic products occurs through the kidneys and bladder.
- Ray
Radiation therapy of the pelvic organs, indicated for the treatment of oncological pathologies, can cause inflammation.Chemotherapy adds to the complications, not only irritating the bladder wall but also reducing the function of the immune system.
- Cystitis due to foreign bodies
Long-term catheterization risks the development of bacterial cystitis, as well as tissue damage from trauma, which only complicates the situation.
- Allergy
Inflammation can be triggered by the effects of certain cosmetics, such as foaming shower gels, facial cleansing gels, as well as some contraceptives (spermicidal creams).
- Is a symptom of other diseases
Sometimes cystitis can be a symptom or complication of other diseases, such as diabetes, urinary stones, prostatitis, and prostate adenoma.
Risk factors
Some people are more likely to get bladder infections, such as women.But there are other risk factors:
- have sex
Having sex that is too active or when the bladder is full increases the likelihood of developing cystitis.
- Use some type of birth control
Using a diaphragm increases the likelihood of developing cystitis.Some types of birth control contain spermicides that increase the likelihood of developing cystitis.
- Pregnant
In this case, hormonal changes, decreased immune function and the growing uterus, put pressure on the bladder, which can lead to inflammation.
- Menopause
In this case, hormonal changes, as well as dry mucous membranes, risk causing inflammation.
- Urine flow disorders
In men, cystitis develops due to urine flow disorders, which can occur with urolithiasis or prostate enlargement.It should be noted that in men without risk factors, cystitis rarely develops.
Symptoms of cystitis
Symptoms of cystitis vary, depending on the form and cause of the inflammation.But it is still possible to identify a number of common diseases that form in any form of inflammation:
- Frequent urination
This is the first and early sign of cystitis.Due to inflammation of the bladder wall, the receptors are stimulated even when drinking only a small amount of urine.Because of this, a frequent urge to urinate is created but a small amount of urine is excreted.
- Feeling of bladder not emptying completely
This can be explained by inflammation and irritation of the bladder wall.Along with frequent urination, it disrupts normal quality of life, interferes with daily activities, and can increase irritability and mood changes.
- Burning feeling when urinating
Gradually, a pronounced burning sensation appears when urinating.Initially, at the end of the urethra, when urination begins, but after completion, a burning sensation spreads to the bladder.The severity of the burning sensation can vary and depends on the severity of the disease.
- Pain
Along with a burning sensation, pain appears when urinating.Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between burning and pain;they merge together.Sometimes pain and discomfort in the pelvic area can persist even in the pelvic organs.
- Temperature increases
With cystitis, body temperature rarely rises to high levels (up to 37.5° C) and usually remains completely normal.
- Changes in urine
Urine may have a distinct, unpleasant odor.In some cases, various impurities can be found in it: sediment or blood in the urine, as a result of which the urine changes color - becomes dark.
Alarming symptoms
There are some symptoms that require emergency medical attention.These include:
- Severe pain in the back and/or side, possibly radiating to the groin.Combined with signs of cystitis, this may indicate urolithiasis and other signs.
- Body temperature increases significantly - more than 38° C. Increased temperature is a sign of serious inflammation.
- Nausea and vomiting.The appearance of such symptoms indicates severe intoxication, since this is a defensive reaction when the body tries to eliminate toxins.
- You should consult your doctor immediately if you experience frequent and painful urination that contains blood.You need to be especially careful if symptoms appear after taking antibiotics.
Complications may occur
Complications develop only if treatment is not given or the doctor's recommendations are not followed.Complications include kidney damage.The infection can spread from the bladder to the kidneys and cause pyelonephritis.And this is a very serious disease that can lead to irreversible kidney damage and metabolic disorders.Children and the elderly as well as women during pregnancy are at risk of such complications.
How to prevent cystitis
When the first symptoms appear, you need to take active treatment measures under the supervision of a doctor.To determine treatment tactics, you need to examine and determine the cause of inflammation.Collecting complaints, symptoms, and suspected causes will help resolve this issue.
Given that the cause of inflammation is often bacterial, the patient is prescribed antibiotics, as well as baths with anti-inflammatory solutions and other recommendations that will help to quickly cope with inflammation.
In the future, the following rules should be followed:
- Maintain drinking regimen.
This is the main rule that must be followed especially strictly.
- Go to the bathroom at the first urge.
If you feel the need to urinate, you should go to the bathroom immediately;It is strictly forbidden to endure it.By the way, this rule must be followed outside of cystitis.
- Comply with personal hygiene rules.
When washing, the water flow and hand movements should be directed from the pubic bone to the anus.The same rule must be followed in all manipulations.During personal hygiene, do not use a hard brush or rub the area around the vagina or anus too hard.
- Take a shower.
Unlike bathing, showering allows water to drain away and prevents the spread of infection.
- Empty your bladder.
You should go to the bathroom and empty your bladder before and after sex.A famous book describes the situation: when the bladder is full, the body is brighter and stronger.In fact, this is not true, the only desire is to go to the toilet faster and the symptoms of cystitis will not appear for long.