Uncomplicated urinary tract infections are a very common and often recurring problem.Cystitis is a common bacterial disease that most often affects women (it occurs about 8 times more often in women than in men).
What is bacterial cystitis?
Bacterial cystitis is characterized by an inflammatory process of the bladder wall.It responds well to treatment and usually does not require hospitalization.
Due to the structural features of the genitourinary system, most complaints about this problem come from women, but sometimes men also experience it.
Reasons for development
Bacterial cystitis always occurs for one reason - as a result of pathogens entering the bladder.
The following factors can cause the disease:
- failure to comply with hygiene rules;
- presence of chronic infection;
- previous catheter installation;
- use spermicidal contraceptives;
- change sexual partners frequently;
- History of atrophic vaginitis.
In men, the most common factor leading to the development of the disease is STI.The occurrence of cystitis can be influenced by prolonged exposure to cold, frequent stress and taking certain medications, but all these factors are considered concomitant.By affecting the body's overall immunity, they increase the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.
Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the bladder through ascending, lymphatic, and hematogenous pathways.The necessary condition for the development of the disease is the penetration of bacteria into the bladder wall.
Symptom
Bacterial cystitis in patients of all genders begins with an acute phase.
It can be recognized by several specific features:
- the appearance of a frequent urge to go to the toilet;
- pain, burning and discomfort when urinating;
- excrete small amounts of blood in urine;
- When you want to go to the toilet, the amount of urine excreted decreases.
In addition to specific symptoms, patients may experience the following signs of cystitis:
- pain during and after sex;
- Discomfort in the perineum and pelvis;
- increased body temperature;
- persistent pain in the lower back.
The disease progresses, leading to cloudy urine and a characteristic odor.Urinary incontinence can also occur when sneezing or coughing.The chronic form of cystitis has the same characteristics as the acute form, but they become less pronounced and intense.
Outstanding characteristics compared to other forms
Cystitis is a disease with many forms and manifestations.The most common is cystitis caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses of an infectious nature.In some cases, the disease is provoked by a “downward” kidney infection.
In addition to the listed diseases, there is a large group of non-infectious cystitis.They can develop due to damage to the mucous membrane of an abiotic nature.
There are types of cystitis:
- Cystitis caused by trauma or foreign objects.It develops with prolonged catheter use, leading to tissue damage.
- Interstitial or autoimmune cells.A chronic form of the disease, difficult to diagnose and treat because the exact cause of its development has not yet been determined by experts.Most often, this form of cystitis can be recognized by severe pain when the bladder is full, as well as a very frequent urge to urinate - in some cases, their number can be up to 100 times a day.
- Ray.Occurs in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.Irradiation has a detrimental effect on the mucous membrane of the bladder, causing pain, frequent urination and blood in the urine.
- Allergy.It occurs as a reaction to allergens that have entered the body.
- Toxic chemicals.This form of the disease can occur when using spermicidal gel, sanitary sprays or chlorine in the urethra when swimming.
Diagnose
Even when specific symptoms are present, cystitis can only be diagnosed with a laboratory urine test.Analysis shows the presence of protein, an excessive percentage of white blood cells and hematuria (presence of red blood cells).In addition, bacterial culture is performed, thanks to which the doctor can identify the causative agent of the disease and choose the most effective medication.
In men, the prostate is additionally examined and tests are performed to rule out certain sexually transmitted diseases, which can be hidden and asymptomatic.Women should be examined by a gynecologist and tested to assess their microbiome.
Methods of treating bacterial cystitis
Bacterial cystitis requires medical treatment with drugs that have antibacterial effects.The doctor chooses the appropriate medication after studying the test results.The disease in the chronic stage requires treatment for 7-10 days.In many cases, a comprehensive approach to treating cystitis is effective.
Treat the root cause
Since the cause of the inflammatory process in the bladder is often an infection, patients are often prescribed antibacterial drugs.The most common cause of cystitis is Escherichia coli;This urinary tract pathogen is detected in 75-90% of cases.
In 5-10% of patients, the disease is caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus;Other enterobacteria are less common.
Pathology treatment
Antibacterial therapy in women can eliminate bacteria in the bladder but has no effect on bacteria in the intestines.They pass again into the perineal surface, into the urethra and then into the bladder.The bladder lining, designed to protect it from bacterial invasion, is disrupted during cystitis, causing a high likelihood of recurrence.
In world practice, the treatment of chronic cystitis by inserting sodium hyaluron into the bladder is very popular.There are oral medications, but the most effective is usually a combination of them.
Such drugs allow:
- protects the bladder wall from bacterial invasion;
- restores damaged protective layer of mucous membranes;
- protects the urinary epithelium from the effects of toxic components contained in urine;
- Significantly reduces the intensity of the inflammatory process occurring in the bladder.
This technique is effective in cases of relapse, resistance to antibacterial drugs, and lack of results from other treatments.Another advantage is the reduced likelihood of recurrence and the possibility of long-term recovery from cystitis, even in severe cases.
Symptomatic treatment reduces the manifestations of the disease
Bacterial cystitis in women causes discomfort and pain and can be quite serious.Symptomatic treatment can solve this problem, the main goal of which is to alleviate the patient's general condition.
In most cases, doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and advise giving up tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages.To relieve pain, you can take warm baths and use heating pads.During the treatment of cystitis, it is important to drink enough water.
Means for the treatment of bacterial cystitis in women
Treatment of cystitis in women involves taking medication orally.An integrated approach that takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body allows us to cope with this disease in a short time.
Antibiotics
The basis of cystitis treatment is the use of drugs that can selectively inhibit or destroy pathogenic microorganisms.To treat inflammatory processes occurring in the genitourinary system of the body, urethral drugs are used, which are excreted through the kidneys and thus ensure an effective concentration of the drug in the inflamed area.
| Antibiotic | Describe |
|---|---|
| Phosphonic acid derivative | The water-soluble powder has a citrus aroma.This drug is considered one of the most commonly used antibiotics in the treatment of cystitis.It works for about 2 hours and is completely eliminated from the body after 2 days. |
| Semisynthetic antibiotic from the second generation macrolide group | White pill.Prescribed for patients with cystitis caused by sexually transmitted infections. |
| Antibiotics belonging to the group of second generation fluoroquinolones | Orange pill.1 tablet is enough for 12 hours, the drug is completely eliminated from the body within 1 day. |
| Antibiotics belonging to the first generation quinolone group | Affects many types of viruses.Available in hard capsule form, the active ingredient is nalidixic acid. |
| Antibiotics belonging to the first generation quinolone group | Available in capsule form, the active ingredient is pipemidic acid.Begins to work within the first 1.5 hours after entering the body.Up to 85% of active ingredients are eliminated within 1 day. |
| Semi-synthetic antibiotic of the 3rd generation cephalosporin group | The orange pill has a berry scent.The effect of the drug is to prevent the synthesis of pathological microorganisms. |
Analgesic
For cystitis, doctors often prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in tablet or rectal form.
Patients with relapses often have to take such drugs as their primary medication.The same approach applies in cases where antibiotics cannot be used for one reason or another.As a complex therapy, a specialist may prescribe antispasmodic drugs to stop painful contractions in the bladder wall.
During the acute stage of the disease, the bladder may contract, preventing normal urination.Muscle relaxation solves this problem and works to relieve pain, improve blood circulation and restore normal organ function.
It is important to note that antispasmodics affect systemic blood flow and the functioning of internal organs, so they are not used for problems with hematopoiesis, kidney and liver failure, acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and some other health problems.Therefore, their intake and dosage must be approved by your doctor.
Diuretics
Diuretics are prescribed to restore normal urination patterns, which is an important element in the treatment of cystitis.The most gentle are diuretics of plant origin or herbal medicines, which are used as auxiliary treatment.
Among them are:
- A preparation in the form of a paste consisting of essential herbs and extracts.A small amount of this product is diluted with water and consumed internally.
- Plant-based tablets or solutions contain the herb centaury, lovage root and rosemary.It has both diuretic and antibacterial effects on the body.
- Herbal infusion.These herbal remedies include herbs that stimulate urine production and have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and relaxing effects.This mixture contains oak bark, St.John's wort, chamomile and flax.Such remedies are effective for various forms of cystitis and are used even in severe cases.
Drinking regimen
Drinking enough fluids can reduce urine concentration and irritate the inflamed bladder wall, as well as increase the urge to urinate and accelerate the elimination of pathogenic bacteria.Doctors recommend drinking at least 2-3 liters of water per day, depending on the patient's body weight.For cystitis, bed rest is necessary to speed up the treatment and recovery process.
prevent
This highly preventable form of bacterial cystitis can be used to both avoid the disease and protect against recurrences that can occur after treatment.
Most experts recommend taking precautions:
- Maintain hygiene.It is necessary to wash at least once a day and from front to back.In this way, it is possible to avoid the penetration of pathogenic organisms from the anus into the vaginal area and urethra (it is this mechanism that often leads to the development of cystitis in women).
- Drink enough fluids.
- Use barrier-type contraceptives.
- Protects against hypothermia and prolonged contact with wet swimsuits.
- Refuse synthetic underwear in favor of underwear made from natural fabrics.
Women are also advised to urinate after each sexual encounter to remove bacteria that may enter the urethra.It is equally important to empty the bladder regularly, as stagnant urine is a fertile environment for pathogens to multiply.
If symptoms return within 14 days of ending treatment, urine should be sent for bacterial culture.Ineffective treatment may be due to low sensitivity of microorganisms to the selected drug.
Possible complications and chronicity of the disease
Untreated cystitis can develop into a chronic form, which is much more difficult to treat and more expensive to treat.You can avoid this consequence if you see a specialist promptly when the first signs of the disease appear.A fairly common complication is vesicoureteral reflux.It occurs when urine from the bladder enters the ureters, that is, in the opposite direction.
This process, if not given proper attention, can lead to metritis, peritonitis or peritonitis.Inflammation in the bladder wall sometimes causes abscesses and scarring, leading to a reduction in the amount of urine it can hold.In this case, the patient urinates frequently and painfully.
In men, prolonged cystitis can lead to urine entering the prostate, causing an inflammatory process in the prostate and epididymitis.Women may experience problems with reproductive function.Cystitis, which is bacterial in nature, in its acute form can lead to miscarriage in pregnant women.Therefore, treatment, which in most cases takes about a week, cannot be delayed.