Uncomplicated urinary tract infections are a very common problem and often recur.Cystitis is a common bacterial disease that usually affects women (about 8 times more common in women than in men).
What is bacterial cystitis
Bacterial cystitis is characterized by the inflammatory process of the bladder wall.It responds well to treatment and usually does not require hospitalization.
Due to the structural features of the urinary system, most complaints 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:
- non-compliance with hygiene rules;
- the presence of chronic infections;
- previous placement of a urinary catheter;
- use of spermicidal contraceptives;
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- a history of atrophic vaginitis.
In men, STIs are the most common cause of the disease.The appearance of cystitis can be influenced by prolonged cold, frequent stressful situations and taking certain medications, but all these factors go together.By affecting the general immunity of the body, 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 penetration of bacteria into the wall of the bladder.
Symptoms
Bacterial cystitis in patients of any gender begins with the acute phase.
It can be recognized by several specific properties:
- appearance of a frequent urge to go 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, decrease in the amount of urine.
In addition to the specific symptoms, the patient may experience the following symptoms of cystitis:
- pain during and after intercourse;
- discomfort in the perineum and pelvis;
- increased body temperature;
- throbbing pain in the lower back.
The 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 the acute form, but they are less pronounced and intense.
Distinctive features compared to other forms
Cystitis is a disease that has many forms and manifestations.The most common are bacterial, fungal and viral cystitis of an infectious nature.In some cases, the disease is triggered by a "caught" 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 non-biological damage to the mucous membrane.
Cystitis has the following types:
- Traumatic or foreign body cystitis.It develops during prolonged use of the urinary catheter, which leads to tissue damage.
- Interstitial or autoimmune.It is a chronic form of the disease, which is difficult to diagnose and treat, since the exact causes of its development have not yet been established by experts.Most often, this form of cystitis can be recognized by the strong pain that occurs when the bladder is full, as well as by the very frequent urge to urinate - in some cases, their number can reach up to 100 per day.
- Beam.It occurs in cancer patients who undergo radiation therapy.Irradiation has a harmful effect on the mucous membrane of the bladder, causing pain, frequent urge to urinate and blood in the urine.
- Allergic.It appears as a reaction to allergens that have entered the body.
- Chemically toxic.This form of the disease can occur when spermicidal gels, hygiene sprays are used, or when chlorine gets into the urethra when visiting a swimming pool.
Diagnostics
Even in the presence of specific symptoms, cystitis can only be diagnosed with a laboratory urine test.The analysis reveals the presence of protein, an excessive percentage of leukocytes and hematuria (presence of red blood cells).In addition, bacterial culture is performed, thanks to which the doctor can identify the causative agent of the disease and select the most effective drugs.
In men, the prostate gland is additionally examined and tests are performed to rule out many sexually transmitted infections, which can 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 medical treatment with antibacterial drugs.After studying the results of laboratory tests, the doctor selects the appropriate drugs.The disease in the chronic stage requires therapy lasting 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 of 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 for women can get rid of bacteria in the bladder, but has no effect on bacteria in the gut.They again enter the surface of the perineum, the urethra, and then the bladder.The lining of the bladder, which is intended to protect it from the entry of bacteria, breaks down during cystitis, which most likely causes a relapse of the disease.
The treatment of chronic cystitis by injecting sodium hyaluronan into the bladder is widespread in world practice.Oral medications are available, but often a combination is most effective.
Such drugs allow:
- protects the wall of the bladder from the penetration of bacteria;
- restores the damaged protective layer of the mucous membrane;
- protects 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 cases of relapses, resistance to antibacterial drugs and failure of other types of therapy.Another advantage is that it reduces the likelihood of relapses and the possibility of long-term relief from cystitis, even in advanced cases.
Symptomatic treatment that reduces the manifestations of the disease
Bacterial cystitis in women causes discomfort and pain that can be quite severe.Symptomatic treatment can cope with this, the main goal of which is to alleviate the patient's general condition.
In most cases, doctors prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and recommend avoiding tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages.You can take a warm bath and use a heating pad to ease the pain.When treating 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 drugs.The integrated approach, which takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body, allows him to cope with the disease in a short time.
Antibiotics
The basis of cystitis therapy is the use of drugs that selectively inhibit or destroy pathogenic microorganisms.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 the 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 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 group of second-generation macrolides | White tablets.It is prescribed for patients who have suffered from cystitis as a result of a sexually transmitted infection. |
| Antibiotic from the group of second generation fluoroquinolones | Orange pill.1 tablet is sufficient for 12 hours, the drug is completely eliminated from the body within 1 day. |
| Antibiotic from the group of first generation quinolones | It affects a wide range of viruses.It is available in the form of hard capsules, the active ingredient is nalidixic acid. |
| Antibiotic from the group of first generation quinolones | Available in capsule form, the active ingredient is pipemidic acid.After entering the body, it starts to work within the first 1.5 hours.A maximum of 85% of the active substance is excreted within 1 day. |
| A semi-synthetic antibiotic from the group of third-generation cephalosporins | Orange tablet with the smell of berries.The effect of the drug is aimed at suppressing 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 whose disease relapses often need to take such drugs mainly.The same approach is used in cases where the use of antibiotics is impossible for one reason or another.As a complex therapy, the specialist can prescribe antispasmodics that block the painful spasms of the bladder wall.
In the acute phase of the disease, the bladder may contract, 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 consider that anticonvulsants affect systemic blood flow and the functioning of internal organs, so they are not used for hematopoiesis problems, kidney and liver failure, acute gastrointestinal diseases and some other health problems.Therefore, their intake and dosage should be discussed with your doctor.
Diuretics
Diuretics are prescribed to restore normal urination habits, which is an important factor in the treatment of cystitis.The most gentle are herbal diuretics or herbal medicines intended for complementary therapy.
These include:
- A preparation in the form of a paste consisting of herbs and essential extracts.A small amount of the product is diluted with water and consumed internally.
- Herbal tablets or solutions containing centaury herb, sedum root and rosemary leaves.It has both a diuretic and antimicrobial effect on the body.
- Herbal infusions.These herbs include herbs that stimulate urine production, have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and relaxing properties.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.
The drinking order
Drinking the right amount of fluid can reduce the concentration of urine and the irritation of the inflamed bladder wall, 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.In the case of cystitis, bed rest is required, which speeds up the treatment and healing process.
Prevention
The bacterial form of cystitis is highly suitable for prevention, which can be used to avoid the disease and protect against possible relapses after treatment.
Most experts recommend preventive measures:
- Maintaining hygiene.It should be washed at least once a day and the direction should be front to back.In this way, it is possible to avoid the entry of pathogenic organisms from the anus into the vagina and urethra (this mechanism most often leads to the development of cystitis in women).
- Drinking enough fluids.
- Use of friend-type contraceptives.
- Protection against hypothermia and prolonged exposure to wet swimwear.
- Refusal of synthetic underwear in favor of underwear made of natural materials.
Women are also advised to urinate after every intercourse to get rid of bacteria that enter the urethra.It is equally important to empty the bladder regularly, as stagnant urine is a fertile environment for pathogens to multiply.
If symptoms return within 14 days after the end of treatment, urine should be collected for bacterial culture.The ineffectiveness of the treatment may be caused by the microorganism's low sensitivity 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 get rid of and more expensive to treat.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 paid enough attention, can lead to endometritis, peritonitis or peritonitis.The inflammatory process of the bladder wall sometimes causes abscesses and scars, resulting in a decrease in the amount of urine.In this case, the patient experiences frequent and painful urination.
In men, prolonged cystitis can lead to urine entering the prostate gland, the inflammatory process of the prostate, and epididymitis.Women may experience problems with reproductive function.Cystitis, which is bacterial 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.