Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, which is most often infectious.The symptoms of the disease are painful and interfere with normal quality of life.In addition, this disease can be a serious threat to kidney health.How to recognize the first symptoms of cystitis and, most importantly, how to prevent it?An immunologist answered this question.
Causes of inflammation
The urine system includes kidneys, urethra, bladder and urethra.The main purpose of the system is to screen blood and to remove metabolic products and medicines from the body.Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder and the cause can come from the kidneys, that is, it can spread along the decreasing path, or vice versa: the urethra.
There are gender differences in the structure of the urine system.Given that women have a shorter and thicker urethra.Infections spread to the bladder easier and faster, making women in danger.In clinical practice, it is customary to distinguish between different types of cystitis.
- Bacterial cystitis is most common when bacteria enter the urethra through the urethra.Inflammation is caused by E. coli, which spreads from the anal area.Another possible transmission path through sexual intercourse.However, inflammation can be caused by its own microbioma.
There are also non -infectious cystitis with several types:
- Interstitial
The exact cause of chronic inflammation is unclear.But statistically registered more often than women.However, diagnosis and treatment are difficult due to the lack of understanding the causes of the specific image and the causes of inflammation.
- Drug
Inflammation can trigger certain drugs.For example, chemotherapeutic agents, as the elimination of metabolic products occurs through the kidneys and the bladder.
- Beam
The radiation therapy for the pelvic organs, which is prescribed for the treatment of cancer pathologies, may cause inflammation.Chemotherapy provides complications that not only irritate the walls of the bladder, but also reduce the function of the immune system.
- Foreign body cystitis
Long -term catheterization is prone to bacterial cystitis and traumatic tissue damage, which only complicates the situation.
- Allergic
Inflammation can be triggered by certain cosmetics, such as bubble baths, laundries, and some contraceptives (spermicide creams).
- As a symptom of other diseases
Cystitis can sometimes be a symptom or complication of other diseases such as diabetes, urolithiasis, prostatitis and prostate adenoma.
Risk factors
Some people are more likely to develop bladder infections such as women.But there are other risk factors:
- Sexual intercourse
Excessively active sexual intercourse, or with the entire bladder, increases the likelihood of cystitis.
- Use of certain types of contraceptives
The use of the membrane increases the likelihood of cystitis.Certain types of barriers containing spermicide agents increase the likelihood of cystitis.
- Pregnancy
In this case, hormonal changes, reduced immune function and a growing uterus that put pressure on the bladder, prone to inflammation.
- Age
In this case, hormonal changes and dry mucous membranes are prone to inflammation.
- Disorders of urine flow
In men, cystitis develops due to violation of urine outflow, which may occur with urolithiasis or increased prostate gland.It should be noted that cystitis is rarely developed in men without predisposing factors.
Symptoms of cystitis
Symptoms of cystitis vary depending on the form and cause of inflammation.But you can still identify a number of common ones that develop in any inflammation:
- Frequent urination
This is the first and early sign of cystitis.Due to inflammation of the bladder walls, even a small amount of urine are irritated by the receptors.As a result, frequent urinary urge to urinate, but a small amount of urine is released.
- Feeling of bladder that is not completely emptied
This can be explained by the inflammatory process and irritation of the bladder walls.In addition to frequent urination, it disrupts normal quality of life, interferes with daily activities, and can cause increased irritation and mood fluctuations.
- Burning sensation at the time of urination
Gradually pronounced burns appear during urination.Initially, at the end of the urethra, when the urination begins, but after finishing, a burning sensation occurs towards the bladder.The severity of the burning sensation may vary and depend on the severity of the disease.
- Pain
In addition to the burning sensation, pain occurs during urination.Sometimes it is very difficult to distinguish between burns and pain;Combined with each other.In the pelvis area, pain and discomfort can sometimes survive in the pelvic organs.
- Temperature increase
In cystitis, body temperature rarely rises to a high level (up to 37.5 ° C) and is often completely normal.
- Changes in the urine
Urine can have an unpleasant, distinctive smell.In some cases, it contains various dirt: sediment or blood in the urine, which changes the color - it will be dark.
Alarming symptoms
Many symptoms require urgent medical attention.They belong to:
- Severe pain on the back and/or side that can radiate into the groin.In combination with signs of cystitis, this may indicate urolithiasis and other signs.
- Significant increase in body temperature - more than 38º C. An increase in temperature is a sign of severe inflammation.
- Nausea and vomiting.The appearance of such symptoms indicates severe intoxication as it is a defensive reaction as the body tries to get rid of toxins.
- Take a doctor immediately if you experience frequent and painful urination containing blood.It should be particularly careful if symptoms occur after taking antibiotics.
Potential complications
Complications occur only if there is no treatment or if the doctor's recommendations are not followed.Complications include kidney damage.The infection can rise from the bladder to the kidneys and can cause pyelonephritis.And this is a very serious illness that can cause irreversible kidney damage and metabolism disorders.Children and the elderly, as well as women, are at risk of developing such complications during pregnancy.
How to prevent cystitis
When the first symptoms appear, you should take active treatment measures under the supervision of your doctor.To determine the treatment tactic, you must test and determine the causes of the inflammation.Collecting complaints, symptoms and suspicious causes will help.
Given that the cause of inflammation is most commonly caused by bacteria, patients with antibiotics and anti -inflammatory solutions and other recommendations that promote rapid cope of inflammation.
In the future to follow the following rules:
- Maintains the drinking system.
This is the main rule that needs to be observed especially strictly.
- Go to the toilet at the first urgency.
If you feel the desire for urination, go to the toilet immediately;It is strictly forbidden to bear.By the way, this rule should be followed outside cystitis.
- Observe personal hygiene rules.
When washing, the water and hand movements should be directed from the pub to the anus.The same rule must be followed during all manipulations.It is not advisable to use hard brushes during personal hygiene or rub the area around the vagina and anus.
- To shower.
Unlike the bath, showering allows water to flow and prevent the spread of infection.
- Empty your bladder.
Visit the toilet and empty the bladder before and after sexual intercourse.A popular book described the situation: with the entire bladder, the body is lighter and stronger.In fact, this is not true, the only desire is to visit the toilet faster, and the symptoms of cystitis do not last long.