Uncomplicated urinary tract infections are a very common problem and often recur.Cystitis is a common bacterial disease that usually affects women (about 8 times more common in women than in men).
What is bacterial cystitis?
Bacterial cystitis is characterized by the inflammatory process of the walls of the bladder.It responds well to treatment and usually does not require hospitalization.
Due to the structural characteristics of the genitourinary system, most complaints about this problem come from women, but sometimes men also face 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:
- non-compliance with hygiene rules;
- the presence of chronic infections;
- previous installation of a urinary catheter;
- use of spermicidal contraceptives;
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- history of atrophic vaginitis.
STIs are the most common factor in the development of the disease in men.The appearance of cystitis can be affected by a long cold, frequent stressful situations and taking certain medications, but all these factors are considered simultaneously.By affecting the general immunity of the body, they increase the probability of reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the bladder by ascending, lymphogenous and hematogenous routes.A necessary condition for the development of the disease is the entry of bacteria into the walls of the bladder.
Symptoms
In patients of any gender, bacterial cystitis begins with an acute phase.
It can be recognized by several specific features:
- the appearance of a frequent desire to go to the toilet;
- pain, burning and discomfort during urination;
- passing a small amount of blood in the urine;
- false urge to go to the toilet, decreased urine output.
In addition to specific symptoms, the patient may experience the following symptoms of cystitis:
- pain during and after intercourse;
- discomfort in the perineum and pelvis;
- increased body temperature;
- aching pain in the lower back.
Progressive disease causes cloudy urine and the appearance of a specific smell.Urinary incontinence may also occur when sneezing or coughing.The chronic form of cystitis is characterized by the same symptoms as the acute form, but they are less pronounced and more intense.
Different features compared to other forms
Cystitis is a disease that has many forms and manifestations.The most common are bacterial, fungal and viral cystitis of an infectious nature.In some cases, the disease is provoked by a "descended" kidney infection.
In addition to those listed, there is a large group of non-infectious cystitis.They can develop as a result of damage to the mucous membrane of a non-biological nature.
There are types of cystitis:
- Traumatic or foreign body cystitis.It develops with long-term use of a urinary catheter, which causes tissue damage.
- Interstitial or autoimmune.The chronic form of the disease is difficult to diagnose and treat, because the exact causes of development have not yet been determined by experts.Often, this form of cystitis is characterized by severe pain when filling the bladder, as well as the urge to urinate very often - in some cases, their number can reach 100 times a day.
- Ray.It occurs in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.Radiation has a harmful effect on the mucous membrane of the bladder, causing pain, frequent urination, and blood in the urine.
- Allergic.It occurs as a reaction to allergens entering the body.
- Chemical-toxic.This form of the disease can occur when chlorine enters the urethra when using spermicidal gels, hygiene sprays or visiting the pool.
Diagnostics
Even in the presence of specific symptoms, cystitis can only be diagnosed using a laboratory urine test.The analysis reveals the presence of protein, an excessive percentage of leukocytes and hematuria (the presence of red blood cells).In addition, a bacterial culture is performed, thanks to which the doctor can determine the causative agent of the disease and choose the most effective drugs.
In men, the prostate gland is additionally examined, and tests are performed to rule out a number of sexually transmitted infections, which can be hidden and asymptomatic.Women should be examined by a gynecologist and take a smear to evaluate the microflora.
Methods of treatment of bacterial cystitis
Bacterial cystitis requires treatment with drugs that have an antibacterial effect.After studying the results of laboratory tests, the doctor selects the appropriate drugs.In the chronic stage, the disease requires therapy for 7-10 days.In many cases, an integrated approach to the treatment of cystitis is effective.
Etiological treatment
Since the cause of the inflammatory process in the bladder is usually an infection, patients are most often prescribed antibacterial drugs.The most common causative agent of cystitis is Escherichia coli;this uropathogenic microorganism is detected in 75-90% of cases.
In 5-10% of patients, the disease is caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus;other enterobacteria are less common.
Pathogenetic treatment
In women, antibacterial therapy can get rid of bacteria in the bladder, but has no effect on bacteria in the intestines.They again enter the surface of the perineum, the urethra, and then the bladder.During cystitis, the mucous membrane of the bladder, which is designed to protect it from the penetration of bacteria, is damaged, which leads to a high probability of recurrence of the disease.
Treatment of chronic cystitis with injection of sodium hyaluronate into the bladder is widespread in world practice.There are oral medications, but often a combination is the most effective.
Such drugs allow:
- protect the walls of the bladder from the penetration of bacteria;
- restore the damaged protective layer of the mucous membrane;
- protecting the urothelium from the effects of toxic components in urine;
- significantly reduces the intensity of the inflammatory process occurring in the bladder.
This technique is effective in case of relapses, resistance to antibacterial drugs and lack of results of other types of therapy.Another advantage is that it reduces the likelihood of relapses and the ability to get rid of cystitis for a long time, even in advanced cases.
Symptomatic treatment that reduces the manifestations of the disease
In women, bacterial cystitis causes discomfort and pain that can be quite severe.Symptomatic treatment can cope with this, the main goal is to alleviate the general condition of the patient.
In most cases, doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and advise against tea, coffee and alcohol.You can take a warm bath and use a heating pad to relieve pain.It is important to drink enough water during the treatment of cystitis.
Means for the treatment of bacterial cystitis in women
Treatment of cystitis in women involves taking drugs orally.An integrated approach that takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body allows us to overcome the disease in a short time.
Antibiotics
The basis of cystitis therapy is the use of drugs that can selectively inhibit or destroy pathogenic microorganisms.Uroseptics are used to treat inflammatory processes occurring in the body's genitourinary system, they are excreted through the kidneys, thus providing an effective concentration of the drug in the area of inflammation.
| Antibiotic | Description |
|---|---|
| A phosphonic acid derivative | Citrus flavored water soluble powder.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. |
| A semi-synthetic antibiotic from the group of second-generation macrolides | White tablets.It is prescribed to patients who have had cystitis as a result of a sexually transmitted infection. |
| Antibiotic from the group of second generation fluoroquinolones | Orange tablets.1 tablet is enough for 12 hours, the drug is completely removed from the body within 1 day. |
| An antibiotic from the first generation quinolone group | It affects a wide range of viruses.Available as hard capsules, the active ingredient is nalidixic acid. |
| An antibiotic from the first generation quinolone group | Available in capsule form, the active ingredient is pipemidic acid.After entering the body, it starts working within the first 1.5 hours.Up to 85% of the active substance is eliminated within 1 day. |
| A semi-synthetic antibiotic from the group of third-generation cephalosporins | Orange tablets with a berry smell.The action of the drug is to suppress the synthesis of pathological microorganisms. |
Pain relievers
For cystitis, doctors usually prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets or rectal suppositories.
Patients who experience a relapse of the disease often have to take such drugs as the main drug.The same approach is applied in cases where the use of antibiotics is impossible for one reason or another.As a complex therapy, a specialist can prescribe antispasmodic drugs that prevent painful spasms of the bladder wall.
In the acute phase of the disease, the bladder can shrink, which prevents normal emptying.Muscle relaxation solves this problem and has an analgesic effect, improves blood circulation and restores the normal functioning of the body.
It is important to take into account that antispasmodics affect systemic blood flow and work of internal organs, so they are not used for problems related to hematopoiesis, kidney and liver failure, acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and some other health problems.Therefore, their intake and dosage should be agreed with your doctor.
Diuretics
Diuretics are prescribed to restore normal urine output, which is an important factor in the treatment of cystitis.The mildest are herbal diuretics or herbal medicines intended for adjunctive treatment.
Among them:
- A paste-like preparation consisting of herbs and essential extracts.A small portion of this product is diluted with water and consumed internally.
- Herbal tablets or solution of centaury grass, lovage roots and rosemary leaves.It has both a diuretic and antimicrobial effect on the body.
- Herbal infusions.These herbal remedies include herbs that stimulate urine production and have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and relaxing effects.The blend contains oak bark, St. John's wort, chamomile and flax.Such means are effective for various forms of cystitis and are used even in advanced cases.
Drinking mode
Drinking enough fluids can reduce urine concentration and irritation of the inflamed bladder walls, and also increase the urge to urinate and accelerate the elimination of pathogenic bacteria.Doctors recommend drinking at least 2-3 liters of water a day, depending on the patient's body weight.Bed rest is necessary for cystitis, which speeds up the healing and healing process.
Prevention
The bacterial form of cystitis is highly suitable for prevention, it can be used both to avoid this disease and to protect against possible relapses after treatment.
Most experts recommend taking preventive measures:
- To observe hygiene.You should wash yourself at least once a day and the direction should be from front to back.In this way, it is possible to prevent the entry of pathogenic microorganisms from the anus to the vaginal and urethra area (it is this mechanism that most often causes the development of cystitis in women).
- Drink enough fluids.
- Use of barrier contraceptives.
- Protection from hypothermia and prolonged exposure to wet swimwear.
- Rejection of synthetic underwear in favor of underwear made of natural fabrics.
Women are also advised to urinate after each intercourse to get rid of bacteria that may enter the urethra.It is equally important to empty the bladder regularly, as stagnant urine is a breeding ground for pathogens.
If symptoms return within 14 days after completion of treatment, urine should be submitted for bacterial culture.The ineffectiveness of the treatment may be due to the low sensitivity of the microorganism to the selected drug.
Possible complications and chronicity of the disease
Untreated cystitis can turn into a chronic form, which is more difficult to get rid of and more expensive to treat.If you consult a specialist in time when the first signs of the disease appear, you can prevent this result.A fairly common complication is vesicoureteral reflux.It occurs when urine from the bladder enters the urethra, that is, in the opposite direction.
If this process is not given due attention, it can lead to inflammation of the uterus, peritonitis or inflammation of the peritoneum.The inflammatory process in the walls of the bladder sometimes leads to abscesses and scars, as a result of which the volume of urine that it can hold decreases.In this case, the patient urinates frequently and painfully.
Long-term cystitis in men can cause urine to enter the prostate gland, inflammatory process in the prostate, and epididymitis.Women may experience problems related to reproductive function.Acute bacterial cystitis can cause miscarriage in pregnant women.Therefore, in most cases, the treatment, which lasts about a week, should not be delayed.