Bladder inflammation, that is, cystitis, is one of the unpleasant diseases that is widespread in the modern world. This disease can be independent and can be a complication of other pathologies. Cystitis is a disease of the urinary tract, consisting of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder. It occurs in men, women and children. Women are more susceptible to this disease due to the anatomy of their genitals: the female urethra is short and wide, which makes it very convenient for the infection to enter the body. Many people consider cystitis to be a woman's disease. Here the question arises: do men have cystitis? Answer: Of course, it happens less often. In terms of percentage, the frequency of cystitis in women is about 25%, and in men it is 0. 5%.
Escherichia coli is the main reason for the development of the infectious inflammatory process of the bladder, but chlamydia, ureaplasma and Candida fungi are also dangerous. The development of cystitis is facilitated by a sedentary lifestyle caused by blood circulation disorders of the pelvic organs and bladder, reduced immunity, metabolic disorders, menopause, consumption of spicy foods, and diabetes mellitus. Cystitis occurs in two forms: acute and chronic. In acute cystitis, the patient has frequent and painful urination with possible bleeding. Symptoms of chronic cystitis are similar, but not as obvious. In the absence of proper treatment, chronic cystitis can become interstitial.
All forms are able to make serious changes in the usual way of life, reduce efficiency and bring psychological discomfort, so it is necessary to start competent treatment by a specialist at the first symptoms. Treatment of cystitis is carried out by urologists and gynecologists. These specialists determine how to treat inflammation of the bladder, prescribe treatment, which, as a rule, includes pills to increase immunity, relieve inflammation, and antibiotics. Cystitis is a disease of many types. An example of cystitis is trigonitis. This means that the inflammation has spread to the cystic triangle. If only the lower part of the triangle is affected, we will talk about cervical inflammation of the bladder. Cervical cystitis owes its name to the localization of inflammation in the neck of the bladder. Its treatment is a complex process that requires the patient to observe bed rest, a strict diet and drink plenty of water.
Speaking of female cystitis, it should be noted that this disease tends to worsen before menstruation. Cystitis during menstruation is quite common. During this period, due to the anatomical and biological characteristics of the female body, the penetration of bacteria, protozoa and viruses into the genitals and urinary tract becomes faster and more dangerous. In addition, a woman's or girl's immunity during menstruation is very sensitive, and if hygiene is not observed, bloodshed can become an excellent source of food for uninvited guests. Moreover, fungi of the genus Candida are located in the vagina, and with a decrease in immunity, they can cause cystitis.
Childhood cystitis is also more common in girls than boys. This is due to the proximity of the short, wide urinary system and the anus. Also, inflammation of the bladder in children can be caused by hypothermia, a weakened immune system, and hereditary factors. Constant wearing of diapers and the presence of stones in the urinary organs contribute to the development of cystitis in babies.
Bladder inflammation in men is typical for adults. Symptoms of this disease in men are the same as in women. Almost always, the reason for the development of cystitis in men is that the infection penetrates through the blood from neighboring inflamed organs.
In addition to the traditional perception of the causes of cystitis, psychosomatic provocations are also possible. Psychosomatics of cystitis has a place, because this disease manifests itself during the period of life change. Often, inflammation of the bladder is observed in people who tend to control or suppress their emotions.
Types of cystitis
As mentioned above, acute and chronic cystitis are distinguished. Acute inflammation of the bladder is defined as cystitis that occurs for the first time in a patient and does not turn into a chronic disease. If exacerbation of cystitis occurs 2 or more times in 6 months or 3 or more times in a year, such cystitis is called relapse. Exacerbation of cystitis and acute form of cystitis are not synonymous. Exacerbations indicate complications of the disease. In the absence of effective and complete treatment, acute cystitis becomes chronic. The development of acute cystitis is unpredictable. Symptoms of acute cystitis are more pronounced than chronic ones. Aggravation of the disease occurs mainly in spring and autumn. In most cases, gram-negative enterobacteria and coagulase-negative staphylococci become the provocateur of the development of infectious cystitis. There are different types of cystitis. Doctors distinguish the following types: hemorrhagic, interstitial, radiation, sexual, postcoital, cervical, hypercalceuric, chemical, allergic and parasitic cystitis. Let's take a closer look:
- Hemorrhagic cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder caused by an infection. It is characterized by urine discharge with an unpleasant odor and bloody discharge;
- The inflammatory process with interstitial cystitis develops due to non-infectious nature. This type is characterized by pain when filling the bladder and a decrease in volume. With interstitial cystitis, not only the mucous membrane, but also the submucosal layer is inflamed;
- one of the consequences of radiation therapy is radiation cystitis. This happens due to damage to the mucous membrane of the bladder;
- sexual cystitis develops due to the change of microflora according to sex. Its subtype is venereal cystitis caused by sexually transmitted diseases;
- when the infection enters the urethra and bladder, postcoital cystitis develops. Its main pathogens are Escherichia coli, mycoplasmas and other infections;
- cervical cystitis - inflammation of the neck of the bladder. This type can be manifested by urinary incontinence;
- in case of metabolic disorders, hypercalceuric cystitis may develop, especially when the kidneys begin to excrete calcium salt crystals;
- chemical cystitis develops with bladder intoxication, but is not very common;
- allergens entering the human body (in the form of food, medicine, cosmetics and household chemicals) can cause allergic cystitis;
- helminthic infestations can often cause the parasitic form of cystitis
Regardless of the type of cystitis, treatment will include antibacterial drugs, bed rest, dry heat, herbal decoctions, and adequate fluid intake.
Symptoms of cystitis
Symptoms of cystitis in women, men and children are basically the same. As a rule, cystitis causes frequent urination in small portions, pain and burning sensation. Urine becomes cloudy and has a strong unpleasant smell. It is not unusual to have a small amount of blood in the urine. With cystitis, weakness and pain in the lower back can be observed.
In children and the elderly, the symptoms of cystitis are not so obvious and can manifest themselves in the form of temperature changes, gastralgia and nausea. Cystitis can be asymptomatic in old age. Another symptom of cystitis is urinary incontinence.
The first manifestation of the disease is often the urge to urinate. The desire to go to the toilet can appear every few minutes during the day and at night. Sometimes women lose control over this process and urination occurs spontaneously.
As the inflammatory process develops, the clinical picture is completed by the following symptoms:
- severe itching and burning in the vulva;
- suprapubic pain radiating to the lower back;
- slight increase in body temperature;
- a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder;
- discoloration, urine odor.
In severe cases, cystitis attacks are accompanied by high fever, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine.
Female symptoms of cystitis are dysuria and nocturia. Characteristic for such situations is the application of efforts to urinate (the need to push), involuntary urinary incontinence, pain at the beginning and end of the urination process. In acute inflammation of the bladder, an increase in body temperature and a weakening of the health condition are observed.
Symptoms of cystitis in men are the same as in women: frequent urination, especially at night, cramps and pain in the groin and perineum, mucus and blood in the urine.
Cystitis in children is not always immediately identified, because it is more difficult to explain the condition of the child and the nature of the pain, and newborn babies will not be able to explain anything. Children usually have weakness, discomfort, pain and burning in the lower abdomen, as in adults. The color of urine is dark yellow. The child is lethargic and has a temperature of up to 38 ° C. Cystitis is less common in boys than in girls.
Causes of cystitis
The most common cause of cystitis is bacteria entering the bladder through the urethra, particularly Escherichia coli. After sexual intercourse, cystitis develops due to prolonged friction of the urethra. As a rule, the first symptoms of cystitis are observed 12 hours after intercourse. The reason for the development of cystitis can be an allergy to intimate cosmetics. The cause of cystitis in children can be the pathology of the urinary organs, when the urethra is disturbed and falls back into the urethra. Elderly people often have difficulty moving and lead a sedentary lifestyle. This leads to incomplete emptying of the bladder and infrequent urination, which can lead to the development of cystitis. Cystitis affects people who do not urinate frequently for various reasons. The presence of a tumor can be one of the causes of cystitis, but this phenomenon is rare.
The causes of cystitis in women are associated with a violation of the microflora of the vagina. Most often, infectious and allergic types of inflammation manifest themselves in women. Less successful gonorrhea can cause cystitis. Hypothermia is considered a major risk for women. So, let's highlight the most common causes of cystitis in women:
- non-compliance with personal hygiene rules;
- hypothermia (sitting in the cold);
- urinary stasis;
- weak immunity;
- pregnancy;
- surgical intervention on genital organs and their infection.
The causes of cystitis in men are diseases of the urinary system, while inflammation of the bladder is a complication. In general, the causes are similar to women: urinary stasis, hypothermia, E. coli and gonorrhea (and other STDs) also provoke the disease. In men, cystitis can be associated with tuberculosis of the genitourinary system. In the presence of infectious and viral diseases, cystitis can develop due to the hematogenous route. Diabetes mellitus, abdominal trauma, stress and surgical interventions in the genitourinary system contribute to the development of cystitis.
Classification of cystitis in women
According to the nature of the course, acute and chronic forms of the disease are distinguished. Acute cystitis usually develops spontaneously after exposure to provoking factors. If the symptoms of the disease last more than 14 days, chronic inflammation occurs.
In acute cystitis, the inflammatory process does not go beyond the mucous membrane, submucosal layer. The clinical picture is often represented by urinary incontinence, pain in the bladder area, presence of pus in the urine, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, false urge to urinate.
Severe forms of acute inflammation are accompanied by increased body temperature and severe intoxication. Painful sensations are localized not only in the pubic bone area, but also in the perineum and genitals. Urine contains many leukocytes, cells of the bladder mucosa, and bacteria.
Chronic cystitis in women is accompanied by structural changes affecting the walls and muscles of the bladder. In this case, the disease does not develop independently, it is usually preceded by diseases of the kidney, urethra, genital organs, bladder neck sclerosis, prostate adenoma, urolithiasis. Taking into account the multifactorial etiology of chronic cystitis, treatment in women is selected only after determining the causes of the development of the disease.
The disease continues with frequent relapses and exacerbations. In chronic inflammation, damage to the side, back and front walls of the kidneys, neck, and bladder is not excluded.
Diagnosis of cystitis
Laboratory tests are the basis of cystitis diagnosis. To confirm or identify cystitis, the patient may be referred for the following tests:
- complete blood count - allows to determine the inflammatory process by increasing ESR and leukocytes;
- urinalysis - shows protein in the presence of cystitis. The results of microscopic examination of sediment with cystitis will lead to an increase in leukocytes and erythrocytes. With cystitis, the urine becomes cloudy and can turn pink in case of bleeding;
- Urinalysis according to Nechiporenko - in cases of presence of erythrocytes in the urine sediment and a large number of leukocytes, they turn to him. For this analysis, it is necessary to pass the average urine stream in the morning;
- Bacteriological diagnosis of urine allows to determine the culprit of cystitis. This is important for prescribing antibiotic therapy;
- special test strips for leukocytes allow to calculate their high concentration in urine;
- nitrite test strips allow detection of urinary tract infections.
Women should not urinate for tests during menstruation, as the results may be false.
Rules for passing a urine test for cystitis
Before starting to collect urine in the morning, it is necessary to rinse the genitals with warm water or a disinfectant solution. Before the urine test, you should not eat foods that can affect the color of urine, it is better not to drink compotes, fruit drinks and kefir (it affects the acid flora). You can also not take diuretics and laxatives.
Treatment of cystitis
Is it possible to treat cystitis permanently? This is probably the main question that worries people who have personally encountered this disease. This is possible if the right treatment is started at the right time. The urologist determines how and how to treat cystitis. As a rule, the doctor chooses complex therapy. In addition to drug treatment, compliance with food, sleeping and drinking regimes plays an important role. Let's clarify that the amount of daily water intake should be at least 2-2. 5 liters, and the diet involves the consumption of diuretic products and the rejection of alcohol, coffee, spicy, fried, smoked, salty, sour, canned foods and preservatives. . Adherence to these regimens is the general rule in the treatment of cystitis in women, men, and children. Let's consider the aspects of cystitis treatment in more detail.
Treatment of cystitis in women does not require hospitalization and can be done at home. A heating pad applied to the lower abdomen and a warm bath will help to cope with unpleasant symptoms. During the treatment of cystitis, women will have to temporarily refrain from sexual intercourse. The desired result of the therapy is the normalization of the vaginal microflora. Neutralizing germs mainly for womenpenicillin antibiotics and preparations with beneficial bacteria to stabilize the microflora are prescribed. Candles with belladonna will help calm inflammation. According to the doctor's requirements, the treatment lasts less than a week. Important questions for women: how to treat cystitis during pregnancy and is it dangerous for the fetus? Cystitis is a disease that can lead to complications in the form of kidney infection and premature birth if not treated properly during pregnancy. Doctors choose the safest drugs for the treatment of cystitis during pregnancy. Infectious cystitis is a challenge because its treatment requires antibiotics that are not recommended for the fetus. Painkillers and anticholinergics, drugs that relax the muscles of the bladder are used to treat cystitis in pregnant women. Postpartum cystitis develops due to the compressed position of the bladder and the disruption of blood circulation during childbirth, catheterization and cooling, as well as the weakening of the immune system after childbirth. Cystitis that appears during breastfeeding is safer to treat with herbal preparations, but we must remember that, like any medicine, only a doctor can prescribe it.
To relieve pain, frequent urination, doctors prescribe antispasmodic drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The choice of drugs for cystitis in men depends on the existing pathologies of the genitourinary system. Physiotherapy and sanatoriums will be good helpers to improve the condition after an exacerbation and during remission.
Used as antibiotics for cystitis:
- fluoroquinolones
- nitrofurans
Treatment of cystitis in children should be prescribed and supervised only by a doctor. Self-administration of antibiotics to children can lead to serious health problems in the future. Sick children need rest, diet, and warm sitz baths, just like sick adults. In the acute form, uroseptic, analgesic and antibacterial drugs are usually prescribed. The main task of parents in the treatment of children is to strictly follow medical recommendations, especially the dosage of drugs and their duration of use. Chronic cystitis in children is mainly the result of phimosis, genital infections, urethritis, diverticulum and other diseases. This suggests that treatment of chronic cystitis should be tailored based on comorbidity.
It is useful to take preventive measures to prevent cystitis in children and adults. Prevention of cystitis includes following hygiene rules (daily soap and water procedures), wearing clean linen, strengthening immunity, competent and healthy nutrition.
Medicines for cystitis
Preparations for cystitis in women, men and children include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and general tonic. Selected drugs for cystitis with active ingredients: fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, furazidin. Alternative antibacterial therapy for cystitis with active ingredients: ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, levofloxacin hemihydrate. The first three drugs have been used in the treatment of cystitis for many years and still do not lose their relevance. Let's consider the features of the means for cystitis in more detail.
Broad-spectrum antimicrobials. The course of treatment with these drugs is from one week to 10 days. It is recommended to consume them after meals. These remedies for cystitis are well suited for first aid during an exacerbation. The disadvantages of drugs include a large number of side effects.
An ideal antibiotic for cystitis with fosfomycin, so to speak. Available in tablet and powder form to dissolve in water. This modern tool has a minimal list of side effects, which is a definite plus when choosing a drug. The drug has a fast absorption and a point of action aimed at the bacteria that cause the development of cystitis. Only one tablet from cystitis allows to achieve a successful therapeutic effect. It is hard to believe, but it has been proven that one dose of antibiotic helps to eliminate all the unpleasant symptoms of cystitis. But this is not all the advantages: the substance fosfomycin is effective and safe for the treatment of cystitis during pregnancy. It is recommended to take it before going to bed, after urination. The effect of the antibiotic lasts for 3 days.
Herbal remedies have also been shown to be effective in the treatment of cystitis, which can be used in combination with antibiotics to increase the effectiveness of treatment and to prevent the development of another exacerbation after a prolonged acute episode. For these purposes, long-term administration of various diuretic and antiseptic herbal preparations or decoctions of official herbal medicines is indicated. Treatment of cystitis with herbs is successfully combined with drug treatment. Studies show that the results of herbal medicines are observed within a few weeks. The advantage of using herbal preparations is their naturalness. However, plants are not always safe for our body, so it is very important to respect the doses. The dosage of the use of herbal preparations differs depending on the age of the patient. So, for example, the daily dose of herbal tea for children up to 1 year old is half a teaspoon, for children up to 3 years old - 1 teaspoon, from 6 to 10 years old - 1 tablespoon, for adults - 2 tablespoons. This is an example of a herbal collection recipe for cystitis, which you can cook yourself at home.
Prevention of cystitis in women
Cystitis recurs in women in half of the cases. To prevent disease attacks and their recurrence, it is enough to follow a number of simple recommendations:
- Pay more attention to personal hygiene. Girls should be taught from a young age to keep their genitals especially clean, to wash and change their underwear every day.
- Women should pay attention to its composition when choosing underwear. You can not wear products made of synthetic fabrics and not suitable for size.
- Drink plenty of plain clean water. Maintaining a normal water balance in the body strengthens the immune system, and frequent urination accelerates the removal of pathogenic microflora from the genitourinary system.
- Avoid hypothermia, wear seasonal clothes, do not wear short skirts and thin tights in the cold season.
- Resist the urge to urinate.
Many women do not consider cystitis a serious disease and try to cope with the pain on their own. The situation is especially dangerous when you start taking antibiotics on the advice of friends or acquaintances. At the first signs of pathology, it is necessary to consult a doctor and strictly follow all his recommendations. The treatment regimen is selected strictly individually, based on the nature of the course of the disease, its form and the presence of accompanying pathologies.