Among many urological diseases, cystitis is the most common pathology in women.Its etymology is related to the damage of the upper mucous layer of the inner walls of the bladder by the inflammatory process.Sometimes the submucosal and muscle layers are involved in the injury process, causing changes in the tissue structure of the body and disruption of its functions.
Women suffer from cystitis more often (up to 80% of all patients).This is due to the peculiarity of the female anatomical structure of the urethral canal.It is wider and shorter than the male urethra, which does not pose a problem for infectious agents.
The clinical picture of the disease can manifest itself acutely or chronically with various symptoms and signs.
Causes of cystitis
Cystitis itself belongs to the classification of infectious diseases.Its genesis is associated with bacterial carriers: coliform bacteria (in 70%), spherical staphylococci and other bacteria.The main role in the formation of cystitis in women is given to the spread of infection from possible lesions in the body:
- In the main organs (various forms of vulvovaginitis);
- The route that descends with the flow of urine from the inflammatory sites in the kidneys and upper parts of the ureter;
- By promoting the pathogen via the hematogenous route (through the blood).
Often, acute cystitis in women develops as a result of structural failure of the urinary system or oncological neoplasms, which hinder the process of normal development of the urinary system, contribute to acute retention in the urinary system and the development of infection.
The development of pathology is influenced by various factors that contribute to a decrease in the general resistance (resistance) of the immune system:
- Acute and chronic infectious diseases in the history (suffered in the past) - inflammation of the appendages, fallopian tubes or ovaries, acute or purulent pyelonephritis, inflammation of the urethra;
- Hypothermia and prolonged sedentary work;
- Conditions and diseases that reduce immune defense (pregnancy and diabetes);
- Chronic infection foci - sore throat, rhinitis or caries;
- Immunosuppressive drugs, stress and instability of the nervous system;
- Back injuries;
- Early sexual intercourse;
- Neglect of hygiene;
- Age factor.
Forms and manifestations of cystitis
In women, cystitis can manifest itself in different forms due to morphological changes in the cavity wall of the bladder.
- Catarrhal pathology is characterized by hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membrane of the organ membrane, which is provoked by the influence of the inflammatory process.
- In the hemorrhagic form, damaged bleeding areas appear on the mucous membrane.There is an increase in red blood cells and gross hematuria (dark or red urine).
- In the necrotic (ulcerative) form, deep depressions in the form of grooves penetrating the muscle tissue of the membrane are noted.
- The follicular form of the disease is characterized by the tuberosity of the mucous membrane, which does not change the surface of the cavity itself, resulting from the formation of follicular tubercles under the mucous membrane.
- Fibrous appearance - the surface of the mucous membrane is covered with whitish or purple pus or fibrin film.The walls of the bladder become inflamed, the top layer of the cavity becomes dense and wrinkles form.
- Bullous cystitis is manifested by prolonged extreme redness and a significant accumulation of infiltrate (swelling) in the upper layer of the inner lining of the bladder.
- Polyp manifestation is characterized by a long-term inflammatory process that leads to the development of polyps in the mucous membrane and the cervical region of the body.
- In cystic pathology, single or group cystic neoplasms are formed under the layer of the mucous membrane of the bladder, filled with lymph tissue and surrounded by a changed epithelium.
- The crusted type of pathology is characterized by a long course.A characteristic symptom is the formation of phosphate deposits (crusts) on the walls of the bladder cavity, which later contribute to the formation of stones.The conversion of urea (urea) to alkali occurs due to the fault of bacterial microorganisms capable of metabolism.
Signs and symptoms of cystitis in women
Bright symptoms of cystitis in women and obvious signs of the disease in acute cases are accompanied by general intoxication (restlessness, weakness, tremors, vomiting or nausea, a slight increase in temperature).
After remission (apparent recovery), the disease passes into the chronic stage when it periodically recurs (more than 2 times a year).In women, the symptoms of chronic cystitis may be less pronounced.
Inflammatory processes alternate with a phase of remission and an acute clinical course.Cystitis in remission does not show external signs and symptoms.When the disease worsens, many characteristic symptoms appear:
- increased urination (every 20 minutes);
- Pain, burning and stinging along the urethra during urination;
- Pain in the suprapubic region (can be an independent symptom or accompany urination);
- unpleasant smell and cloudiness of urine, the formation of flakes, pus or blood clots in it;
- Sensation of residual urine in the bladder;
- Lumbar and kidney pain;
- Enuresis may develop.
Chronic cystitis in womenThere are various signs of the clinical course of the disease.
- The latent course is stable, with rare or frequent exacerbations.Symptoms are "removed" or completely absent.
- The persistent type is manifested by symptoms characteristic of chronic pathology.At this time, the functions of the urinary tract are not disturbed.Alternate remission and exacerbation, signs of internal bleeding are possible.
- The interstitial course is characterized by signs of stable painful manifestations with significantly clear symptoms.There is a deep spread of inflammation to the tissues, a violation of the reservoir function (enuresis).This is the most severe form of the disease.
With timely treatment, the disease can be treated quickly, otherwise complications cannot be prevented.
The possibility of complications
Lack of treatment or incorrectly selected therapy leads to relapse and aggravation of the disease:
- The transition of inflammatory processes to the muscle structure of the bladder wall - interstitial type pathological development.
- The increased prevalence of infection affects the upper organs of the urinary system, which contributes to the formation of related background pathologies - damage to the renal pelvis, purulent inflammation of the kidneys, etc.
- Intraperitoneal rupture of the bladder with subsequent peritonitis (not excluded).
Cystitis - which doctor should a woman consult?
If symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a urologist to confirm the diagnosis.It is this doctor who solves urological problems.
To exclude the consequences of an STD, you should consult a gynecologist.You may need a vaginal flora smear to help identify the disease and determine its stage of development.
Diagnosis - identification of the disease
To determine the disease, various diagnostic tests are used, from express diagnostics to traditional methods of examination, including:
- examination of blood and urine parameters;
- identification of hidden inflammatory processes in the urinary system;
- Diagnosis of infectious diseases using PCR analysis;
- tank-semi for flora - detection of UPM (bacteria);
- identification of the main diseases - ultrasound of the genitourinary system;
- analysis for vaginal dysbiosis;
- biopsy;
- endoscopic examination of the internal cavity of the bladder (cystoscopy).
How to treat cystitis in women?- drugs and medicines
How quickly cystitis in women recovers depends on a properly designed treatment protocol.Treatment tactics include various therapeutic methods.
Drug therapy involves the appointment of appropriate antibiotics for chronic cystitis in women, a combination of cephalosporins and protected penicillins to suppress accompanying infections.
With subsequent adjustment of drugs, they are prescribed immediately without waiting for the identification of the pathogen.
The main treatment is tablets.During the treatment of cystitis in women, tablets are prescribed to relieve symptoms.These include anti-inflammatory and immunomodulators, antispasmodics and uroseptics based on nitrofurans and sulfonamides.Antispasmodics and natural uroseptics (herbs, herbs, etc.) can be prescribed as additional treatment.
Special medicines are prescribed only individually.Because many of them have a number of contraindications and restrictions on their use.Since diet plays an important role, if you follow a gentle regimen and a balanced diet, the treatment will be complete.
- you need to drink more liquids (still water, juices);
- More foods with vitamin C;
- exclude from the diet smoked meats, spices, fried foods, foods rich in potassium (cottage cheese, cheese and dairy products);
- Alcohol is not allowed.
Measures to prevent cystitis
To prevent the recurrence of the disease, you must strictly follow the recommendations of your doctor.Basic rules:
- avoid hypothermia and prolonged sitting;
- Consume up to 1.5 liters.fluid per day;
- avoid urinary stasis (do not resist urges);
- use protection methods during intimacy;
- do not neglect personal hygiene (especially during menstruation).
Following these simple rules will protect you from repeated treatment of the disease.