Uncomplicated urinary tract infections are a very common problem and often recur.Cystitis is a common bacterial disease that usually affects women (it 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 bladder walls.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 encounter 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.
In men, the most common factor in 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 secondary.By affecting the overall immunity of the organism, they increase the probability of the proliferation 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 invasion of bacteria into the walls of the urinary bladder.
Symptoms
Bacterial cystitis in patients of any gender begins in the acute phase.
It can be recognized by several specific characteristics:
- 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 amount of urine output.
In addition to specific symptoms, the patient may experience the following signs of cystitis:
- pain during and after sexual intercourse;
- discomfort in the perineum and pelvis;
- increased body temperature;
- nagging pain in 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 acute, but they become less pronounced and intense.
Special 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 caused by a "downward" kidney infection.
In addition to the above, there is a large group of cystitis of a non-infectious nature.They can develop as a result of damage to the mucosa of a non-biological nature.
There are types of cystitis:
- Traumatic cystitis or foreign body cystitis.It develops with long-term 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, because experts have not yet determined the exact causes of its development.Most often, this form of cystitis can be recognized by severe pain when filling the bladder, as well as by a very frequent urge 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 harmful effect on the lining of the bladder, causing pain, frequent urges to urinate 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 entering the urethra with chlorine when visiting the pool.
Diagnostics
Even with the presence of specific symptoms, cystitis can only be diagnosed with a laboratory urine test.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 carried out, thanks to which the doctor can identify the cause of the disease and choose the most effective drugs.
In men, the prostate 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 a swab should be taken to assess the microflora.
Methods of treatment of bacterial cystitis
Bacterial cystitis requires treatment with antibacterial drugs.The doctor selects 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 most often an infection, patients are most often prescribed antibacterial drugs.The most common cause 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
Antibacterial therapy in women can remove bacteria in the bladder, but has no effect on bacteria in the intestines.They re-enter the surface of the perineum, into the urethra, and then into the bladder.The lining of the bladder, designed to protect it from the penetration of bacteria, is disrupted 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:
- they protect the walls of the bladder from the penetration of bacteria;
- they restore the damaged protective layer of the mucous membrane;
- protect the urothelium from the influence of toxic components contained in urine;
- significantly reduce the intensity of the inflammatory process that occurs in the bladder.
This technique is effective in case of recurrence, resistance to antibacterial drugs and lack of results of other types of therapy.Another advantage is that it reduces the likelihood of recurrence and the possibility of long-term resolution of cystitis, even in advanced cases.
Symptomatic treatment that reduces disease manifestations
Bacterial cystitis in women causes discomfort and pain, which can be quite severe.Symptomatic treatment can be used to deal with this, the main goal of which is to alleviate the patient's general condition.
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 warm baths and use a heating pad.During the treatment of cystitis, it is important to drink enough water.
Means for the treatment of bacterial cystitis in women
Treatment of cystitis in women includes oral medication.An integrated approach that 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 cystitis therapy 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 that are excreted through the kidneys and thus ensure an effective concentration of the drug in the area of inflammation.
| Antibiotic | Description |
|---|---|
| Phosphonic acid derivative | 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 about 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. |
| 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. |
| Antibiotic from the group of quinolones of the first generation | It affects a wide range of viruses.Available as hard capsules, the active ingredient is nalidixic acid. |
| Antibiotic from the group of quinolones of the first generation | Available in capsule form, the active ingredient is pipemidic acid.It starts working 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 third generation cephalosporin group | Orange tablets with a berry scent.The action of the drug is suppression of the synthesis of pathological microorganisms. |
Painkillers
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 their main ones.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 block 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 organs.
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 must be agreed with your doctor.
Diuretics
Diuretics are prescribed to establish a normal pattern of urination, which is an important factor in the treatment of cystitis.The gentlest are herbal diuretics 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.
- Tablets or herbal solution containing centaury plant, lovage root and rosemary leaves.It also has 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 drugs are effective for various forms of cystitis and are used even in advanced cases.
Drinking regime
Consuming 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 per day, depending on the patient's body weight.Bed rest is necessary for cystitis, which speeds up the healing and recovery process.
Prevention
The bacterial form of cystitis is very susceptible 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 from front to back.In this way, it is possible to avoid the entry of pathogenic organisms from the anus into the vaginal and urethral area (this mechanism most often leads to the development of cystitis in women).
- Drinks enough fluids.
- Use of barrier contraceptives.
- Protection against hypothermia and prolonged exposure to a wet bathing suit.
- Rejecting synthetic underwear in favor of underwear made from natural fabrics.
Women are also advised to urinate after each intercourse to get rid of any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.It is equally important to empty the bladder regularly, as stagnant urine is a fertile breeding ground for pathogens.
If the symptoms return within 14 days after the end of the therapy, it is necessary to provide 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 that is 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.It occurs when urine from the bladder enters the ureter, i.e. 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, resulting in a reduction in the volume of urine it can hold.In this case, the patient experiences frequent and painful urination.
In men, prolonged cystitis can lead to penetration of urine into the prostate, inflammatory process in the prostate and epididymitis.Women may have problems with reproductive function.Cystitis, which is of a bacterial nature, in its acute form can lead to miscarriage in pregnant women.Therefore, the treatment, which in most cases lasts about a week, cannot be postponed.