Uncomplicated urinary tract infections are a very common problem and often recur.Cystitis is a common bacterial disease that primarily affects women (it occurs about eight 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 features of the genitourinary system, most complaints about this problem come from women, but sometimes men are also affected.
Reasons for development
A bacterial cystitis always occurs for one reason - when pathogens enter the bladder.
The following factors can trigger the disease:
- non-compliance with hygiene rules;
- presence of chronic infections;
- previous placement of a urinary catheter;
- use of spermicidal contraceptives;
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- History of atrophic vaginitis.
In men, sexually transmitted diseases are the most common factor in the development of the disease.The occurrence of cystitis can be influenced by prolonged exposure to cold, frequent stressful situations and the use of certain medications, but all these factors are considered simultaneous.By affecting the body's general immunity, they increase the likelihood of the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the bladder via ascending, lymphogenic and hematogenous routes.A necessary condition for the development of the disease is the penetration of bacteria into the walls of the bladder.
Symptoms
Bacterial cystitis begins with the acute phase in patients of all genders.
It can be recognized by several specific characteristics:
- the appearance of a frequent urge to go to the toilet;
- Pain, burning and discomfort when urinating;
- Excretion of 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 signs of cystitis:
- pain during and after sexual intercourse;
- Discomfort in the perineum and pelvis;
- increased body temperature;
- excruciating pain in the lower back.
The progressive disease leads to cloudy urine and the appearance of a specific odor.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 are less pronounced and intense.
Special features compared to other forms
Cystitis is a disease with many 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 “descending” kidney infection.
In addition to those listed, there is a large group of cystitis of a non-infectious nature.They can arise from damage to the mucous membrane of a non-biological nature.
There are types of cystitis:
- Traumatic cystitis or foreign body cystitis.It occurs with prolonged use of a urinary catheter, which leads to tissue damage.
- Interstitial or autoimmune.A chronic form of the disease that is difficult to diagnose and treat, since the exact causes of its development have not yet been clarified by specialists.This form of cystitis is most commonly recognized by severe pain when filling the bladder and a very frequent urge to urinate - in some cases the number can be up to 100 times a day.
- Ray.Occurs in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.Radiation damages the bladder lining and causes 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 if spermicidal gels, hygiene sprays or chlorine get into the urethra while visiting a swimming pool.
diagnosis
Even if specific symptoms are present, a bladder infection can only be diagnosed through a laboratory urine test.The analysis shows the presence of protein, an excessive proportion of leukocytes and hematuria (the presence of red blood cells).Additionally, a bacterial culture is carried out, thanks to which the doctor can identify the causative agent of the disease and select the most effective drugs.
In men, the prostate is additionally examined and tests are performed to rule out a number of sexually transmitted infections that may be hidden and asymptomatic.Women need to be examined by a gynecologist and take a smear to assess the microflora.
Treatment methods for 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 treating cystitis is effective.
Etiological treatment
Since the cause of the inflammatory process in the bladder is most often infection, patients are most often prescribed antibacterial drugs.The most common pathogen causing 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 rarer.
Pathogenetic treatment
Antibacterial therapy in women can eliminate bacteria in the bladder, but has no effect on bacteria in the intestines.They pass again over the surface of the perineum, into the urethra and then into the bladder.The bladder mucous membrane, which is supposed to protect it from the invasion of bacteria, is destroyed during a bladder infection, which leads to a high probability of a relapse of the disease.
In world practice, the treatment of chronic cystitis by introducing sodium hyaluronic acid into the bladder is widespread.There are oral medications, but often a combination of them is most effective.
Such drugs allow:
- protect the bladder walls from penetration of bacteria;
- restore the damaged protective layer of the mucous membrane;
- protect the urothelium from the influence of toxic components in urine;
- Significantly reduce the intensity of the inflammatory process occurring in the bladder.
This technique is effective in cases of relapses, resistance to antibacterial drugs and lack of results from other types of therapy.Another advantage is that the likelihood of relapses is reduced and cystitis can be eliminated for a long time even in advanced cases.
Symptomatic treatment that reduces the manifestations of the disease
Bacterial cystitis causes discomfort and pain in women, which can be very serious.This can be counteracted by symptomatic treatment, 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 avoiding tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages.To relieve pain, you can take warm baths and use a heating pad.It is important to drink enough water while treating a bladder infection.
Means for the treatment of bacterial cystitis in women
Treatment of cystitis in women involves oral administration of medications.An integrated approach that takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body allows us to cope with the disease in a short time.
Antibiotics
The basis of cystitis therapy is the use of medications that can specifically inhibit or destroy pathogenic microorganisms.To treat inflammatory processes that occur in the genitourinary system of the body, uroseptics are used, which are excreted through the kidneys, thereby ensuring an effective concentration of the drug in the area of inflammation.
| antibiotic | Description |
|---|---|
| Phosphonic acid derivative | Water-soluble powder with 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. |
| Semi-synthetic antibiotic from the group of second generation macrolides | White tablets.Prescribed to patients who have developed cystitis as a result of a sexually transmitted infection. |
| Antibiotic from the second generation group of fluoroquinolones | Orange tablets.1 tablet is enough for 12 hours, the drug is completely eliminated from the body within 1 day. |
| Antibiotic from the first generation group of quinolones | Affects a variety of viruses.The active ingredient is nalidixic acid and is available in the form of hard capsules. |
| Antibiotic from the first generation group of quinolones | The active ingredient is available in capsule form and consists of pipemidic acid.Begins to work within the first 1.5 hours of entering the body.Up to 85% of the active ingredient is excreted within a day. |
| Semi-synthetic antibiotic from the group of third generation cephalosporins | Orange tablets with the scent of berries.The action of the drug is to suppress the synthesis of pathological microorganisms. |
Painkillers
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 their main medications.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 may prescribe antispasmodic drugs that block painful spasms of the bladder wall.
In the acute phase of the disease, the bladder may shrink, preventing 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 take into account that antispasmodics impair systemic blood flow and the functioning of internal organs, and therefore are not used for problems with hematopoiesis, kidney and liver failure, acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and some other health problems.Therefore, intake and dosage must be coordinated with your doctor.
Diuretics
Diuretics are prescribed to restore normal urination, which is an important factor in the treatment of cystitis.The gentlest are diuretics of plant origin or herbal medicines that are intended for supportive therapy.
Among them are:
- A preparation in the form of a paste consisting of herbs and essential extracts.A small amount of this product is diluted with water and taken internally.
- Herbal tablets or solutions containing centaury, lovage roots and rosemary leaves.It has both a diuretic and antimicrobial effect on the body.
- herbal teas.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 funds are effective for various forms of cystitis and are also used in advanced cases.
Drinking regime
Adequate fluid intake can reduce the concentration of urine and irritation of the inflamed bladder walls, 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 a cystitis, bed rest is required, which speeds up the treatment and recovery process.
Prevention
The bacterial form of cystitis is very easy to prevent, which can be used both to prevent this disease and to protect against possible relapses after treatment.
Most experts recommend preventive measures:
- Pay attention to hygiene.It is necessary to wash at least once a day, from front to back.In this way, the penetration of pathogenic organisms from the anus into the vaginal and urethral areas can be avoided (this mechanism most often leads to the development of cystitis in women).
- Drink enough fluids.
- Use of barrier type contraceptives.
- Protection against hypothermia and prolonged exposure to a wet swimsuit.
- Rejection of synthetic underwear in favor of underwear made from natural fabrics.
Women are also recommended to urinate after each sexual intercourse to remove bacteria that may have entered the urethra.It is equally important to empty your bladder regularly, as standing urine is a fertile breeding ground for pathogens to multiply.
If symptoms recur within 14 days of completing therapy, it is necessary to submit urine for bacterial culture.The ineffectiveness of treatment may be due to the low susceptibility of the microorganism to the selected drug.
Possible complications and chronicity of the disease
Untreated cystitis can develop into a chronic form, which is much more difficult to eliminate and more expensive to treat.You can avoid this consequence if you consult a specialist in good time at the first signs of illness.A fairly common complication is vesicoureteral reflux.It occurs when urine passes from the bladder into the ureter, i.e. in the opposite direction.
If this process is not given enough attention, it can lead to inflammation of the uterus, peritonitis, or inflammation of the peritoneum.The inflammatory process in the bladder walls sometimes causes abscesses and scarring, resulting in a reduction in the volume of urine the bladder can hold.In this case, the patient experiences frequent and painful urination.
In men, prolonged cystitis can cause urine to enter the prostate gland, an inflammatory process in the prostate and epididymitis.Women may experience problems with reproductive function.Cystitis, which is bacterial in nature, in its acute form can lead to miscarriage in pregnant women.Therefore, treatment, which in most cases lasts about a week, cannot be delayed.