Cystitis in women: symptoms and treatment, drugs, remedies for cystitis

Among many urological diseases, cystitis in women is the most common pathology.The etymology is due to the damage to the upper mucous layer of the internal walls of the bladder by the inflammatory process.Sometimes the submucosal and muscular layer is involved in the damage process, causing changes in the tissue structure of the organ and disruption of its functions.

Women are much more likely to suffer from cystitis (up to 80% of all patients).This is due to the peculiarity of the female anatomical structure of the urethral canal.It is wider and shorter than the male urethra, which does not create difficulties for infectious agents.

The clinical picture of the disease can manifest itself acutely or chronically, with different symptoms and signs.

Causes of cystitis

Cystitis itself belongs to the classification of infectious diseases.Its genesis is associated with bacterial carriers: coliform bacteria (in 70%), spherical staphylococci and other bacteria.The main role in the onset of cystitis in women is given to the spread of infection from possible lesions in the body:

• In the underlying organs (various forms of vulvovaginitis);
• Descending path with urine flow from the foci of inflammation in the kidneys and upper parts of the ureter;
• Hematogenously promoting the pathogen (through the bloodstream).

Often, acute cystitis in women develops due to structural underdevelopment of the urinary system or oncological neoplasms, which create an obstacle to the normal process of urine production, contribute to its acute retention in the urinary system and the development of infections.

The development of the pathology is influenced by various factors that contribute to reducing the overall resistance (resistance) of the immune system:

• Acute and chronic infectious diseases in history (previously suffered) - inflammation of the appendages, fallopian tubes or ovaries, acute or purulent pyelonephritis, inflammation of the urethra;
• Hypothermia and prolonged sedentary work;
• Conditions and diseases that reduce immune protection (pregnancy and diabetes);
• Chronic foci of infection: sore throat, rhinitis or tooth decay;
• Immunosuppressive drugs, stress and instability of the nervous system;
• Back injuries;
• First sexual intercourse;
• Neglect of hygiene;
• Age factor.

Forms of cystitis and characteristics of the manifestation

Cystitis in women can manifest itself in various forms, due to morphological changes in the wall of the bladder cavity.

• Catarrhal pathology is characterized by hyperemia and swelling of the mucous layer of the organ membrane, caused by the action of the inflammatory process.
• In the hemorrhagic form, damaged bleeding areas appear on the mucosa.There is an increase in red blood cells and gross hematuria (dark or red urine).
• In the necrotic (ulcerative) form, deep depressions in the form of grooves penetrating the muscular tissue of the membrane are noted.
• The follicular form of the disease is characterized by tuberosity of the mucous layer, caused by the formation of follicular tubercles under the mucosa, which do not alter the surface of the cavity itself.
• Fibrous appearance: the surface of the mucous layer is covered with a whitish or purple purulent or fibrin film.The walls of the bladder become inflamed, the upper lining of the cavity becomes denser, and wrinkles form.
• Bullous cystitis is manifested by prolonged excessive redness and significant accumulation of infiltrate (swelling) of the upper layer of the inner lining of the bladder.
• The polyp manifestation is characterized by a long-term inflammatory process that causes the development of polyps on the mucous layer and in the cervical area of the organ.
• In cystic pathology, single or group cystic neoplasms are formed under the mucosal layer of the bladder, filled with lymphatic tissue and surrounded by modified epithelium.
• The encrusting type of pathology is characterized by a long course.A characteristic symptom is the formation of phosphate deposits (encrustations) on the walls of the bladder cavity, which subsequently contribute to the formation of stones.The transformation of carbamide (urea) into alkali occurs due to bacterial microorganisms capable of metabolism.

Signs and symptoms of cystitis in women

In acute cases, vivid symptoms of cystitis and pronounced signs of the disease in women are observed, accompanied by general intoxication (malaise, weakness, chills, vomiting or nausea, slight increase in temperature).

When the disease, after remission (apparent recovery), recurs periodically (more than 2 times a year), it enters the chronic phase.Symptoms of chronic cystitis in women may be less pronounced.

Inflammatory processes alternate with the remission stage and the acute clinical course.Cystitis in remission does not show external signs and symptoms.As the disease worsens, many characteristic symptoms appear:

1. Increased urge to urinate (every 20 minutes);
2. Pain, burning and tingling along the urethral tract when producing urine;
3. Pain in the suprapubic area (may be an independent symptom or accompany the release of urine);
4. Unpleasant odor and cloudiness of urine, formation of flakes, purulent or blood clots inside it;
5. Sensation of residual urine in the urine bag;
6. Pain in the lumbar and kidney region;
7. Enuresis (urinary incontinence) may develop.

Chronic cystitis in womenpresents various signs of the clinical course of the disease.

• The latent course is stable, with rare or frequent exacerbation processes.Symptoms are “erased” or completely absent.
• The persistent type manifests itself with symptoms characteristic of chronic pathology.In this case the functions of the urinal are not compromised.Alternating remissions and exacerbations, signs of bleeding inside the organ are possible.
• The interstitial course is characterized by stable painful signs of manifestation with significantly pronounced symptoms.There is a spread of inflammation deep into the tissues, a disturbance of the function of the reservoir (enuresis).This is the most serious type of disease.

With timely treatment, the disease can be treated quickly, otherwise complications cannot be avoided.

Possibility of complications

Lack of treatment or incorrectly chosen therapy leads to relapse and complication of the disease:

1. The transition of inflammatory processes in the muscular structure of the bladder wall - the development of a type of interstitial pathology.
2. Ascending spread of the infection, affecting the overlying organs of the urinary system, which contributes to the formation of associated underlying pathologies - damage to the renal pelvis, purulent inflammation of the kidneys, etc.
3. Intraperitoneal rupture of the bladder (not excluded) with subsequent formation of peritonitis.

Cystitis: which doctor should a woman contact?

If signs of the disease appear, you should consult a urologist to confirm the diagnosis.It is this doctor who solves urological problems.

To exclude the consequences of sexually transmitted diseases, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist.You may need a smear of vaginal flora, which will help identify the disease and determine its stage of development.

Diagnostics: identification of the disease

To identify the disease, various types of diagnostic examination are used, from rapid diagnostics to conventional examination methods, including:

• examination of blood and urine parameters;
• identification of hidden inflammatory processes in the urinary system;
• diagnosis of infectious diseases by PCR analysis;
• sowing in flora tank - detection of UPM (bacteria);
• identification of underlying diseases - ultrasound of the genitourinary system;
• analysis for vaginal dysbiosis;
• biopsy;
• endoscopic examination of the internal cavity of the bladder (cystoscopy).

How to treat cystitis in women?- drugs and medicines

How quickly cystitis in women can be cured depends on a properly drawn up treatment protocol.Treatment tactics include various therapeutic techniques.

Drug therapy involves prescribing appropriate antibiotics for chronic cystitis in women to suppress concomitant infections: a class of cephalosporins and a combination of protected penicillins.

They are prescribed immediately, without waiting for the pathogen to be identified, with subsequent adjustment of drugs.

The main treatment is the tablet.When treating cystitis in women, tablets are prescribed to relieve symptoms.These include anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory, antispasmodic and uroseptic agents based on nitrofurans and sulfonamides.As an additional treatment, natural antispasmodics and uroseptics (herbs, herbs, etc.) can be prescribed.

Specific drugs are prescribed exclusively individually.Since many of them have a number of contraindications and restrictions on their use.The treatment will be complete if you follow a gentle regime and a balanced diet, as diet plays an important role.

• it is necessary to drink more liquids (plain water, juices);
• more foods containing vitamin C;
• exclude smoked meats, spices, fried foods, dishes rich in potassium (dishes based on ricotta, cheese and milk) from the diet;
• Alcohol is not allowed.

Measures to prevent cystitis

To prevent relapse of the disease, you must strictly adhere to the recommendations of your doctor.Basic rules:

• avoid hypothermia and prolonged sitting;
• consume up to 1.5 litres.fluids per day;
• avoid urine stagnation (do not tolerate the stimulus);
• during intimacy, use protection methods;
• do not neglect personal hygiene (especially during the menstrual cycle).

Following these simple rules will protect you from retreatment of the disease.