Uncomplicated urinary tract infections are a very common problem and often recur.Cystitis is a common bacterial disease that usually affects women (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 walls of the bladder.It responds well to treatment and usually does not require hospitalization.
Due to the peculiarities of the structure 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 provoke the disease:
- non-compliance with hygiene rules;
- presence of chronic infections;
- previous installation of a urinary catheter;
- use of spermicidal contraceptives;
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- history of atrophic vaginitis.
In men, the most common factor for the development of the disease are STIs.The appearance of cystitis can be influenced by prolonged exposure to cold, frequent stressful situations and taking certain medications, but all these factors are considered concomitant.By affecting the overall immunity of the body, they increase the probability of reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
Pathogenic microorganisms can penetrate into the bladder by an ascending, lymphogenic and hematogenous route.A necessary condition for the development of the disease is the entry of bacteria into the walls of the bladder.
Symptoms
Bacterial cystitis in patients of any gender begins with the acute phase.
It can be recognized by several specific signs:
- the appearance of a frequent desire to go to the toilet;
- pain, burning and discomfort when urinating;
- passing a small amount of blood in the urine;
- false desire to go to the toilet, decreased urine output.
In addition to the specific symptoms, the patient may experience the following signs of cystitis:
- pain during and after intercourse;
- discomfort in the perineum and pelvis;
- increased body temperature;
- excruciating pain in the lower back.
Progressive disease leads to cloudy urine and the appearance of a specific smell.Urinary incontinence can also occur when sneezing or coughing.The chronic form of cystitis is characterized by the same symptoms as the acute form, but they become less pronounced and intense.
Distinctive features compared to other forms
Cystitis is a disease that has a large number of 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 cystitis of a non-infectious nature.They can develop as a result of damage to the mucous membrane of a non-biological nature.
There are the following types of cystitis:
- Traumatic or foreign cystitis.It develops with prolonged use of a urinary catheter, which leads to tissue damage.
- Interstitial or autoimmune.A chronic form of the disease, which is difficult to diagnose and treat, since the exact causes of development have not yet been established by specialists.Most often, this form of cystitis can be recognized by severe pain when filling the bladder, as well as very frequent urges to urinate - in some cases, their number can reach up to 100 times a day.
- Ray.It occurs in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.Radiation has a detrimental effect on the lining of the bladder, causing pain, frequent urination, and blood in the urine.
- Allergic.It occurs as a reaction to allergens that have entered the body.
- Chemically toxic.This form of the disease can occur when using spermicidal gels, hygiene sprays or getting chlorine into the urethra when visiting a swimming pool.
Diagnosis
Even in the presence of specific symptoms, cystitis can be diagnosed only with the help of a laboratory examination of urine.The analysis reveals the presence of protein in it, an excessive percentage of leukocytes and hematuria (presence of red blood cells).In addition, a bacterial culture is performed, thanks to which the doctor can identify the cause of the disease and choose the most effective drugs.
In men, the prostate gland is additionally examined and tests are done 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 pap smear to assess the microflora.
Methods of treatment of bacterial cystitis
Bacterial cystitis requires medical treatment with antibacterial drugs.The doctor selects the appropriate drugs after studying the results of laboratory tests.The disease in the chronic stage 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 cause of cystitis is Escherichia coli;this uropathogenic microorganism is found in 75-90% of cases.
In 5-10% of patients, the disease is caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus;other enterobacteria are less common.
Pathogenetic treatment
Antibacterial therapy in women can get rid of bacteria in the bladder, but has no effect on bacteria in the gut.They again enter the surface of the perineum, the urethra and then the bladder.The lining of the bladder, designed to protect it from the penetration of bacteria, is disturbed during cystitis, which causes a high probability of recurrence of the disease.
In world practice, the treatment of chronic cystitis by introducing sodium hyaluronan into the bladder is widespread.There are oral medications, but a combination of them is often the most effective.
Such drugs allow:
- protect the walls of the bladder from the penetration of bacteria;
- restoration of the damaged protective layer of the mucous membrane;
- protection of the urothelium from the influence of toxic components contained in urine;
- significant reduction in the intensity of the inflammatory process occurring in the bladder.
This technique is effective in relapses, resistance to antibacterial drugs and lack of results from 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
Bacterial cystitis in women causes discomfort and pain, which can be quite severe.Symptomatic treatment can cope with this, the main purpose of which is to alleviate the general condition of the patient.
In most cases, doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and recommend giving up tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages.To ease the pain, you can take a warm bath and use a heating pad.During the treatment of cystitis, it is important to drink enough water.
Remedies for bacterial cystitis in women
Treatment of cystitis in women involves oral medication.The integrated approach, which takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body, allows us to deal with the disease in a short time.
antibiotics
The basis of the treatment of cystitis is the use of drugs that can selectively inhibit or destroy pathogenic microorganisms.For the treatment of inflammatory processes that occur in the genitourinary system of the body, uroseptics are used, which are excreted through the kidneys and thus ensure an effective concentration of the drug in the area of inflammation.
| Antibiotic | Description |
|---|---|
| A derivative of phosphonic acid | Water-soluble powder with a citrus aroma.This drug is considered one of the most commonly used antibiotics in the treatment of cystitis.It works for approximately 2 hours and is completely eliminated from the body after 2 days. |
| A semi-synthetic antibiotic from the macrolide group of the second generation | White tablets.It is prescribed to patients who have experienced cystitis as a result of a sexually transmitted infection. |
| An antibiotic from the group of fluoroquinolones of the second generation | Orange tablets.1 tablet is enough for 12 hours, the drug is completely eliminated from the body within 1 day. |
| First generation quinolone antibiotic | It affects a wide range of viruses.Available in the form of hard capsules, the active ingredient is nalidixic acid. |
| First generation quinolone antibiotic | Available in capsule form, the active ingredient is pipemidic acid.It begins to act in the first 1.5 hours after entering the body.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 the smell of berries.The action of the drug is to suppress the synthesis of pathological microorganisms. |
Pain relievers
For cystitis, doctors usually prescribe nonsteroidal 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 ones.The same approach is applied in cases where the administration of antibiotics is impossible for one reason or another.As a complex therapy, the specialist can prescribe antispasmodic drugs that block the 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 organ.
It is important to keep in mind that antispasmodics affect systemic blood flow and the functioning of internal organs, so they are not used in hematopoiesis problems, 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 urination, which is an important factor in the treatment of cystitis.The most sparing are diuretics of plant origin or herbal medicines, which are intended for adjunctive therapy.
Among them are:
- Preparation in the form of a paste consisting of herbs and essential extracts.A small amount of this product is diluted with water and consumed internally.
- Herbal tablets or solution containing St. John's wort, yarrow 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 mixture contains oak bark, St. John's wort, chamomile and flax.Such means are effective in various forms of cystitis and are used even in advanced cases.
Drinking mode
Drinking enough fluid can reduce the concentration of urine and irritation of the inflamed bladder walls, 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.With cystitis, bed rest is necessary, which speeds up the healing and recovery process.
Prevention
The bacterial form of cystitis is very amenable to prevention, which can be used both to avoid this disease and to protect against possible relapses after treatment.
Most experts recommend taking preventive measures:
- Maintaining hygiene.It is necessary to wash at least once a day, and the direction should be front to back.In this way, it is possible to avoid the entry of pathogenic organisms from the anus into the vaginal and urethral region (it is this mechanism that most often leads to the development of cystitis in women).
- Drinking enough fluids.
- Use of barrier contraceptives.
- Protection against hypothermia and prolonged exposure to a wet swimsuit.
- Rejection of synthetic underwear in favor of underwear made of natural fabrics.
Women are also advised to urinate after each intercourse to flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.It is equally important to empty your bladder regularly, as stagnant urine is a breeding ground for pathogens.
If symptoms return within 14 days after completion of therapy, it is necessary to give urine 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 develop into a chronic form, which becomes much more difficult to cure and whose treatment is more expensive.You can avoid this consequence if you consult a specialist in time when the first signs of the disease appear.A fairly common complication is vesicoureteral reflux.This happens when urine from the bladder enters the ureter, that is, in the opposite direction.
This process, if not given due attention, can lead to inflammation of the uterus, peritonitis or inflammation of the peritoneum.The inflammatory process in the walls of the bladder sometimes causes abscesses and scarring, which reduces the volume of urine it can hold.In this case, the patient experiences frequent and painful urination.
In men, prolonged cystitis can lead to urine entering the prostate gland, an inflammatory process in the prostate, and epididymitis.Women may have problems with reproductive function.Cystitis, which is bacterial in nature, in its acute form can lead to miscarriage in pregnant women.Therefore, the treatment, which in most cases takes about a week, cannot be delayed.