Uncomplicated urinary tract infections are very common and often recur. Cystitis is a common bacterial disease that usually affects women (they are about 8 times more likely than 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 characteristics of the structure 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:
- non-compliance with hygiene rules;
- the presence of chronic infections;
- urinary catheter placement was delayed;
- use of spermicidal contraceptives;
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- atrophic vaginitis in history.
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 both sexes, bacterial cystitis begins with an acute phase.
It can be recognized by several specific features:
- the appearance of frequent calls 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;
- increase in body temperature;
- relieves back pain.
A 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 acute symptoms, 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 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 wide group of non-infectious cystitis. They can develop as a result of damage to the non-biological mucosa.
There are types of cystitis:
- Traumatic or cystitis of a foreign body. 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 a very frequent urge to urinate - in some cases, their number can reach 100 times a day.
- Ray.It occurs in cancer patients receiving radiation treatment. Radiation has a negative 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 visiting the pool, using spermicidal gels, hygiene sprays or chlorine entering the urethra.
Diagnostics
Even in the presence of specific symptoms, cystitis can be determined only with the help of a laboratory urine test. The analysis allows you to determine 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 genital infections that may 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 drug treatment with antibacterial drugs. After studying the results of laboratory tests, the doctor selects the appropriate means. 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 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 not bacteria in the intestines. They again fall on the surface of the perineum, the urethra, and then the bladder. The membrane of the bladder, which is designed to protect the penetration of bacteria, is broken during cystitis, which causes a high probability of recurrence of the disease.
In world practice, the treatment of the chronic form of cystitis by injecting sodium hyaluronate into the bladder is widespread. There are oral remedies, but more often a combination of them is 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. In addition to its advantages, it reduces the likelihood of relapses and reduces 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 allows to overcome 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 oral medication. Coping with the disease in a short time allows an integrated approach that takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body.
Antibiotics
The basis of cystitis treatment is the use of drugs that can selectively inhibit or destroy pathogens. For the treatment of inflammatory processes occurring in the urogenital system of the body, uroseptics are used, which are excreted through the kidneys and thus ensure 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, after 2 days it is completely removed from the body. |
| A semi-synthetic antibiotic from the second generation macrolide group | White tablets. It is prescribed for patients who have had cystitis as a result of sexual infection. |
| Antibiotic from the group of fluoroquinolones of the II generation | Orange tablets. 1 tablet is enough for 12 hours, the drug is completely removed from the body within 1 day. |
| Antibiotic from the group of quinolones of the 1st generation | It affects a wide range of viruses. It is available in the form of hard capsules, the active substance is nalidixic acid. |
| Antibiotic from the group of quinolones of the 1st generation | Available in capsule form, the active ingredient is pipemidic acid. It begins to act within the first 1. 5 hours after admission. Up to 85% of the active substance is eliminated within 1 day. |
| A semi-synthetic antibiotic from the group of III 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 drugs. The same approach is used in cases where the use of antibiotics is not possible 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 stage 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 the doctor.
Diuretics
Diuretics are prescribed to restore normal urine output, which is an important factor in the treatment of cystitis. The most cost-effective are herbal diuretics or herbal medicines intended for adjunctive therapy.
Among them:
- A paste-like preparation consisting of herbs and essential extracts. A small amount of this remedy is diluted with water and taken orally.
- Herbal tablets or solution of centaury grass, lovage roots and rosemary leaves. It has both a diuretic and antimicrobial effect on the body.
- Plant collections. Such herbal remedies include herbs that stimulate urine production and have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and relaxing effects. As part of the charges, you can find 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 fluids can reduce urine concentration and irritation of 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 a day, depending on the patient's body weight. With cystitis, bed rest is necessary, which allows you to speed up the treatment and healing process.
Prevention
The bacterial form of cystitis is good for prevention, so you can avoid this disease, and after treatment you can protect yourself from possible relapses.
Most experts recommend taking preventive measures:
- Hygiene. It is necessary to wash at least once a day, and the direction should be from front to back. In this way, pathogens can be prevented from entering the vagina and urethra from the anus (this is the mechanism that most often leads to the development of cystitis in women).
- Drink enough fluids.
- Use of barrier contraceptives.
- Protection from hypothermia and prolonged stay in a wet bathing suit.
- 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 good breeding ground for pathogens.
If symptoms return within 14 days after the end of treatment, a urine sample should be taken for bacterial culture. Treatment failure may be due to 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 it enters the urethra from the bladder, 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 amount of urine it can hold decreases. In this case, the patient experiences frequent and painful urination.
Long-term cystitis in men can cause urine to flow into the prostate gland, inflammatory process in the prostate, and epididymitis. Women may have reproductive problems. Acute bacterial cystitis can cause miscarriage in pregnant women. Therefore, in most cases, the treatment, which lasts about a week, should not be delayed.