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 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:
- 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 affected by prolonged exposure to cold, frequent stressful situations and taking certain medications, but all these factors are considered concomitant.By affecting the general immunity of the body, they increase the likelihood of the spread of pathogenic microorganisms.
Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the bladder through infectious, lymphogenous and hematogenous routes.A necessary condition for the development of the disease is the invasion of bacteria in the walls of the bladder.
Symptoms
Bacterial cystitis in patients of any gender begins with the acute phase.
It can be recognized by some specific features:
- the appearance of a frequent desire to go to the toilet;
- pain, burning and discomfort during urination;
- excretion of a small amount of blood in the urine;
- false desire to go to the toilet, decrease in the 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;
- increase in body temperature;
- nagging pain in the lower back.
Progressive disease leads to cloudy urine and the appearance of a specific smell.Urinary incontinence can also occur when you sneeze or cough.The chronic form of cystitis is characterized by the same symptoms as the acute form, but they become less pronounced and intense.
Distinctive 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 provoked by a "reduced" 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 mucosal damage of a non-biological nature.
There are several 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 determined by specialists.Most often, this form of cystitis can be recognized by severe pain when the bladder is full, as well as by the very frequent desire 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 bladder mucosa, causing pain, frequent urination and blood in the urine.
- Allergic.It occurs as a reaction to allergens that have entered the body.
- Chemo-toxic.This form of the disease can occur when using spermicidal gels, hygiene sprays or injecting chlorine into the urethra when visiting a swimming pool.
Diagnosing
Even in the presence of specific symptoms, cystitis can only be diagnosed using a urine laboratory test.The analysis reveals the presence of proteins in it, an excessive percentage of leukocytes and hematuria (the presence of red blood cells).In addition, a bacterial culture is performed, thanks to which the doctor can identify the causative agent of the disease and choose the most effective medications.
In men, the prostate gland is additionally examined and tests are performed to rule out a number of sexually transmitted infections, which may be hidden and asymptomatic.Women should be examined by a gynecologist and take a test to evaluate the microflora.
Methods of treatment of bacterial cystitis
Bacterial cystitis requires medical treatment with antibacterial drugs.The doctor chooses the appropriate medications after studying the results of laboratory tests.The disease in the chronic phase 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 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 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, designed to protect it from the penetration of bacteria, breaks down during cystitis, which causes a high probability of the disease returning.
In world practice, the treatment of chronic cystitis with the introduction of sodium hyaluronan into the bladder is widespread.There are oral medications, but their combination is often more effective.
Such drugs allow:
- protect the walls of the bladder from the penetration of bacteria;
- restore the damaged protective layer of the mucous membrane;
- protection of 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 cases of relapse, resistance to antibacterial drugs and lack of results from other types of therapy.Another advantage is that it reduces the possibility of relapse 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 purpose 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 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 administration of drugs.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 occurring in the body's genitourinary system, uroseptics are used, which 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 citrus flavor.This drug is considered one of the most used antibiotics in the treatment of cystitis.It works for approximately 2 hours and is completely eliminated from the body after 2 days. |
| Semi-synthetic antibiotic from the macrolide group of the second generation | White tablets.They are prescribed for 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 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 cephalosporins of the third generation | 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 need to take drugs such as the 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 can prescribe antispasmodic drugs that block painful spasms of the bladder wall.
In the acute stage 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 the organ.
It is important to keep in mind that antispasmodics affect systemic blood circulation 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 should be agreed with your doctor.
Diuretics
Diuretics are prescribed to restore normal urination patterns, which is an important factor in the treatment of cystitis.Milder are diuretics of herbal origin or herbal medicines, which are intended for adjunctive 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.
- Herbal tablets or solutions containing centaury herb, lavage root and rosemary leaf.It 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 blend contains oak bark, St. John's wort, chamomile and flax.Such means are effective for various forms of cystitis and are used even in advanced cases.
Drinking regime
Drinking enough fluids can reduce the concentration of urine and irritation of the 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, based on the patient's body weight.For cystitis, bed rest is necessary, which speeds up the treatment and recovery process.
Preventing
The bacterial form of cystitis is very suitable for prevention, which can be used 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 (it is this mechanism that most often leads to the development of cystitis in women).
- Drinking enough fluids.
- Use of barrier 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 advised to urinate after each intercourse to get rid of bacteria that may have entered the urethra.It is equally important to empty your bladder regularly, as stagnant urine is a breeding ground for pathogens.
If symptoms return within 14 days after the end of therapy, it is necessary to submit 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, which becomes much more difficult to get rid of and the treatment of which is more expensive.You can avoid this consequence if you consult a specialist 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 proper attention, can lead to inflammation of the uterus, peritoneum or inflammation of the peritoneum.The inflammatory process in the walls of the bladder sometimes causes abscesses and wounds, resulting in a decrease 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 the penetration of urine into the prostate gland, an inflammatory process in the prostate and epididymitis.Women may have problems with reproductive function.Cystitis, which is bacterial in 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 delayed.