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 walls of the bladder.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 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 provoke the disease:
- failure to comply 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 in the development of the disease is STIs.The appearance of cystitis can be influenced by prolonged exposure to the 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 likelihood of the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.
Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the bladder through ascending, lymphogenous and hematogenous routes.A necessary condition for the development of the disease is the invasion 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 features:
- the appearance of 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 amount of urine excreted.
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 the lower back.
The progressive disease leads to cloudy urine and the appearance of a specific odor.Urinary incontinence may 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 in comparison with 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 types of cystitis:
- Traumatic or foreign body 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 the bladder fills, as well as a very frequent urge to urinate - in some cases, their number can reach up to 100 times a day.
- Ray.Occurs in patients with cancer who undergo radiation therapy.Irradiation has a detrimental effect on the mucous membrane of the bladder, causing pain, frequent urge to urinate, and blood in the urine.
- Allergic.It occurs as a reaction to allergens that have entered the body.
- Chemical-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.
Diagnostics
Even in the presence of specific symptoms, cystitis can only be diagnosed using a laboratory urine test.The analysis reveals the presence of protein in it, an excessive percentage of leukocytes and hematuria (the presence of red blood cells).Additionally, bacterial culture is carried out, thanks to which the doctor can identify the causative agent of the disease and select the most effective medications.
In men, the prostate gland is additionally examined and tests are performed to exclude a number of sexually transmitted infections, which can be hidden and asymptomatic.Women need to be examined by a gynecologist and take a smear to evaluate the microflora.
Treatment methods for bacterial cystitis
Bacterial cystitis requires medical treatment with drugs with antibacterial action.The doctor selects the appropriate medications 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 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
Antibacterial therapy in women can get rid of bacteria in the bladder, but has no effect on bacteria in the intestines.They again 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 relapse of the disease.
In world practice, treatment of chronic cystitis by introducing sodium hyaluron into the bladder is widespread.There are oral medications, but often the most effective is a combination of them.
Such drugs allow:
- protect the walls of the bladder from the penetration of bacteria;
- 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 occurring in the bladder.
This technique is effective in case of 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 goal 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 relieve pain, you can take warm baths and use a heating pad.During treatment for cystitis, it is important to drink enough water.
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 drugs that can selectively inhibit or destroy pathogenic microorganisms.To treat inflammatory processes that occur in the genitourinary system of the body, uroseptics are used, excreted through the kidneys and thus 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 acts for approximately 2 hours and is completely eliminated from the body after 2 days. |
| Semisynthetic antibiotic from the group of macrolides of the second generation | White tablets.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 | Affects a wide range of viruses.Available in the form of 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.Starts working within the first 1.5 hours after entering the body.Up to 85% of the active substance is eliminated within 1 day. |
| 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. |
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 ones.The same approach is applied in cases where the use of antibiotics for one reason or another is impossible.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, which prevents normal emptying.Muscle relaxation solves this problem and has an analgesic effect, improves blood circulation and restores normal functioning of the organ.
It is important to consider that antispasmodics affect systemic blood flow and the functioning of internal organs, so they are not used for problems with hematopoiesis, 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 restore normal urination patterns, which is an important factor in the treatment of cystitis.The most gentle are diuretics of plant origin or herbal medicines, which are intended for auxiliary 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 consumed internally.
- Plant-based tablets or solution containing centaury herb, lovage 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 remedies are effective for various forms of cystitis and are used even in advanced cases.
Drinking regimen
Drinking enough fluid can reduce the concentration of urine and irritation of the inflamed walls of the bladder, as well as increase the urge to urinate and speed up the elimination of pathogenic bacteria.Doctors recommend drinking at least 2-3 liters of water per day, based on the patient’s body weight.For cystitis, bed rest is necessary, which speeds up the process of treatment and recovery.
Prevention
The bacterial form of cystitis is highly amenable to prevention, which can be used to both avoid this disease and protect against possible relapses after treatment.
Most experts recommend taking preventive measures:
- Maintaining hygiene.It is necessary to wash yourself 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 (it is this mechanism that most often leads to the development of cystitis in women).
- Drinking enough liquid.
- Use of barrier type contraceptives.
- Protection against hypothermia and prolonged exposure to a wet swimsuit.
- Refusal of synthetic underwear in favor of underwear made from natural fabrics.
Women are also advised to urinate after each sexual intercourse to get rid of bacteria that may have entered the urethra.It is equally important to empty your bladder regularly, since stagnant urine is a fertile environment for the proliferation of pathogens.
If symptoms return within 14 days after completion of 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 becomes much more difficult to get rid of 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, 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 scars, 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 urine entering 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 takes about a week, cannot be delayed.