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 experience it.
Reasons for development
Bacterial cystitis always occurs for one reason: due to the entry of pathogens into the bladder.
The following factors can provoke the disease:
- failure to comply with hygiene standards;
- 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 sexually transmitted diseases.The appearance of cystitis can be influenced by prolonged exposure to cold, frequent stressful situations and the intake of certain drugs, but all these factors are considered concomitant.By affecting the general immunity of the body, they increase the likelihood of proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms.
Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the bladder via ascending, lymphogenic, 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 kind begins with the acute phase.
It can be recognized by several specific characteristics:
- the appearance of a frequent need 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, 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;
- increased body temperature;
- nagging pain in the lower back.
Progressive disease leads to cloudy urine and the appearance of a specific odor.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 characteristics 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 caused by a "descending" kidney infection.
In addition to those listed, there is a large group of cystitis of a non-infectious nature.They can develop due to damage to the mucosa 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, 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 need to urinate - in some cases, their number can reach up to 100 times a day.
- Ray.It occurs in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.Irradiation has a harmful effect on the mucosa of the bladder, causing pain, frequent need to urinate and blood in the urine.
- Allergic.It occurs as a reaction to allergens that have entered the body.
- Toxic chemical.This form of the disease can occur when using spermicidal gels, hygiene sprays or introducing chlorine into the urethra when visiting a swimming pool.
Diagnostics
Even in the presence of specific symptoms, cystitis can only be diagnosed by a laboratory urine test.The analysis reveals the presence of proteins, an excessive percentage of leukocytes and hematuria (presence of red blood cells).Additionally, 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 also examined and tests are performed to rule out a number of sexually transmitted infections, which may 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 drugs 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 often prescribed antibacterial drugs.The most common etiological 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 eliminate bacteria in the bladder, but has no effect on bacteria in the intestine.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, is disrupted during cystitis, which causes a high probability of recurrence of the disease.
In world practice, the 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 mucosa;
- 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 eliminate 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, 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 drugs.An integrated approach that takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body allows you 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 genitourinary system of the body, uroseptics are used, excreted through the kidneys and thus ensuring effective concentration of the drug in the area of inflammation.
| Antibiotic | Description |
|---|---|
| Derivative of phosphonic acid | Water-soluble powder with citrus aroma.This drug is considered 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. |
| Semi-synthetic antibiotic from the second generation macrolide group | White tablets.Prescribed to patients who have had cystitis due to a sexually transmitted infection. |
| Antibiotic from the group of second generation fluoroquinolones | Orange tablets.1 tablet is enough for 12 hours, the drug is completely eliminated from the body within 1 day. |
| Antibiotic from the first generation quinolone group | It affects a wide range of viruses.Available in the form of hard capsules, the active ingredient is nalidixic acid. |
| Antibiotic from the first generation quinolone group | Available in capsule form, the active ingredient is pipemidic acid.It begins to work within the first hour and a half of entering the body.Up to 85% of the active ingredient is eliminated within 1 day. |
| Semisynthetic antibiotic from the third generation cephalosporin group | 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 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of rectal tablets or suppositories.
Patients who experience a relapse of the disease often have to take medications like 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 phase of the disease, the bladder may shrink, preventing 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, renal and hepatic failure, acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and some other health problems.Therefore their intake and dosage must be agreed with the doctor.
Diuretics
Diuretics are prescribed to restore normal urination patterns, which is an important factor in treating cystitis.The most gentle are diuretics of plant origin or herbal medicines, intended for auxiliary therapy.
Among these are:
- A preparation in the form of paste composed of herbs and essential extracts.A small amount of this product is diluted with water and consumed internally.
- Plant-based tablets or solutions containing knapweed 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 blend 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.
Consumption regime
Drinking enough fluids can reduce urine concentration and irritation of the inflamed bladder walls, 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 a day, based on the patient's body weight.For cystitis, bed rest is necessary, which speeds up the treatment and recovery process.
Prevention
The bacterial form of cystitis is highly amenable to prevention, which can be used both to avoid this disease and to protect against possible relapses after treatment.
Most experts recommend taking preventive measures:
- Maintain hygiene.You need 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).
- Drink enough fluids.
- Use of barrier 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 eliminate bacteria that may have entered the urethra.It is equally important to empty the bladder regularly, as stagnant urine constitutes a fertile environment for the proliferation of pathogens.
If symptoms return within 14 days of completing therapy, urine should be submitted 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 the treatment of which 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 of the bladder walls sometimes causes abscesses and scarring, resulting in a reduction in the volume of urine it can contain.In this case, the patient experiences frequent and painful urination.
In men, prolonged cystitis can lead to 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.