The appearance of cystitis: characteristics of the disease and methods of its treatment

Not a single person is immune from cystitis, and gender and age category do not matter in the slightest.However, due to anatomical features, cystitis develops in women much more often than in the stronger sex.What are we talking about when doctors make such a diagnosis?Cystitis refers to inflammatory processes that occur in the genitourinary system and mainly affect the bladder and urinary ducts.The disease is accompanied by pain and increased frequency of urinary processes.

Important.In the absence of timely and competent treatment, the disease risks becoming chronic, which is fraught with annual exacerbations accompanied by unpleasant manifestations.

Therefore, when the first symptoms appear indicating the formation of cystitis, it is necessary to contact a treating specialist to confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment regimen.

How are inflammatory processes classified?

When determining the diagnosis, doctors take into account classifications divided by morphology, symptoms, provoking causes and numerous other factors.In accordance with the stages of development of the pathology, the following are distinguished:

• Acute cystitis.In this case, inflammatory processes appear suddenly, a fairly short time after the patient was affected by the etiological factor in the formation of the disease.In this case, the symptoms that arise are very vivid, as a result the victim can precisely name the day on which the pathology began.Women whose age falls in the range of 20 to 40 years are more susceptible to the effects of acute cystitis.According to statistics, the number of thirty-year-olds of the fair sex who have suffered from the disease reaches 30%.In men, according to statistical data, only seven people out of 10,000 suffer from an acute form of cystitis.Usually, the development of this form is provoked by various bacterial pathogens.
• Chronic cystitis.In this form, inflammatory processes in the mucous layer of the bladder are constantly present, periods of exacerbations are interspersed with remissions.In most cases, they occur against the background of an acute inflammatory process.Chronic cystitis in women, and even in men, is diagnosed quite often, since many patients do not timely turn to medical institutions.

In turn, there are different types of chronic cystitis, which depend on the clinical course of the disease:

• Latent form.It is characterized by an asymptomatic course for a long time, exacerbations are observed frequently or are quite rare and can occur twice during the year.Generally, the latent pathology does not cause particular problems for the patient;as a result, it is discovered completely by accident during an examination for other problems.
• Interstitial form.Problems with this form mainly affect the urinary system.Although the origin of the disease is not bacterial, it is very difficult to treat.
• Persistent form.The pathology occurs as a result of an advanced infectious process and on the basis of cystitis, which occurs in an acute form.

Due to the constantly present inflammation, the mucous layer changes in its structure and as a result other forms of the disease develop: ulcerative, polypous, encrusting, cystic and necrotic.Furthermore, there are differences in the course of the pathology;as a result, cystitis can be:

• Primary– develops as an independent disease, the appearance of which is caused by the penetration of bacterial agents into the mucous layer of the organ and for other reasons.
• Secondary– its formation occurs in parallel with the main pathology and cystitis in this case should be perceived as a complication.

Secondary cystitis is divided into two larger groups: one includes the extravesical form of the pathology, the second is the secondary cystic type of the disease.The development of cystic cystitis is due to the presence of tumors, stones in the bladder, anomalies in its formation, injuries and consequences of surgical intervention.The appearance of extravesical pathologies is caused by other pathological conditions linked to the functionality of the bladder, including pregnancy, the presence of prostatic adenoma and damage to other systems or organs.

Reasons for the formation of the pathological process

The reasons that contribute to the formation of the inflammatory process are classified according to the etiology of the phenomenon.Cystitis can be:

• Infectious.It is caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi that penetrate the urethral canal along the ascending or descending path and penetrate the mucous layer of the bladder, then exerting a pathogenic effect on organs and systems.This type of pathology is diagnosed in 80%.
• Traumatic.It usually develops against the background of organ damage, which is accompanied by an infectious infection.
• Postoperative.The pathology may develop due to the need to use a urinary catheter after surgery.However, it is not able to completely prevent the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the urethral canal.
• Diabetic.It occurs as a secondary pathology in patients with diabetes mellitus.
• Allergic.The pathological phenomenon is provoked by various means of supporting intimate hygiene, which can cause an allergic response in the patient.
• Dishormonal.It is very often observed in women during menopause due to changes in the hormonal system, due to which the functionality of other organs changes.

There are other reasons that can provoke the formation of cystitis.Therefore, inflammatory processes can be caused by taking certain drugs that cause the production of acrolein.This substance irritates the mucous layer of the bladder.The risk of cystitis increases if the following factors are present:

• Wear synthetic underwear, especially when it fits snugly against the body.At the same time, active proliferation of bacteria in the genitals begins.
• Promiscuous sexual contacts with untested partners sooner or later will inevitably become the cause of a sexually transmitted infectious pathology.And any such disease can cause cystitis.
• The presence of intestinal diseases and constipation, which causes the active proliferation of opportunistic microorganisms that can penetrate the urinary tract.
• Some kidney diseases can develop into a bladder.
• An insufficiently strong immune system is unable to resist pathogenic microorganisms entering the urethral canal.

Despite the fact that the causes of cystitis in women and men are largely similar, there are some differences.Therefore, in most cases, representatives of the fair sex suffer due to the structure of the urethra.Its opening is located near the anus, and the canal itself is large in width and short in length.This anatomical feature greatly simplifies the penetration of bacteria and E. coli into the canal.

The causes of cystitis in women also include hormonal changes during pregnancy;such changes can significantly undermine local immunity.We must not forget about menopause, when the production of estrogen in the female body decreases significantly.But it is this hormone that directly affects the bladder membrane.The structure of the female reproductive system is also important: it includes many organs characterized by the development of inflammatory processes which subsequently transfer to the urinary system.

Men suffer from cystitis many times less than women, however, they have their own specific factors, the presence of which causes the formation of the pathology:

• Stagnation of urine in the presence of mechanical obstacles - stones, tumors, diverticula, foreign bodies that prevent the outflow of liquids.
• Phimosis, characterized by narrowing of the foreskin.
• Inflammatory processes can be triggered by an infection spreading from the urethral canal, prostate, seminal vesicles, testicles and appendages.

Important.There are other factors that have no connection with the genitourinary system, but contribute to the development of cystitis in the stronger sex: diabetes, stressful situations, abuse of spicy foods and alcoholic beverages.

Spinal injuries, hypothermia and transurethral surgery can have a negative impact.

How does cystitis manifest itself?

The symptoms that accompany inflammatory processes can be different and depend on the form of the pathology.It should be remembered that the symptoms and treatment of cystitis in women, men and children are closely related.Acute and chronic cystitis manifest themselves differently;in the first case a sudden onset is characteristic:

• Too frequent urination processes, reaching 8-15 trips to the toilet, while individual urine volumes are small.
• At the end of emptying the bladder, pain and pain appear in the urethra.
• Pulling pain occurs in the lower abdomen, above the pubis, lower back and pelvis.
• Chills appear during urine excretion.
• After the urination process, the sensation of the bladder not being completely emptied remains.
• The temperature may rise slightly, but more often it remains within the normal range.
• There is a general feeling of malaise.
• The excreted urine is not sufficiently transparent;Bloody inclusions can be observed in the cloudy liquid, which are released in small quantities in the last moments of urination.

If treatment of the acute form is timely and adequate, the negative symptoms disappear after three to five days.As for the chronic form of the pathology, such a diagnosis is made when exacerbations are observed every year at least twice, or negative symptoms are constantly present, but are not clearly expressed.During exacerbations, signs of pathology are characteristic of the acute form, and during remissions the symptoms may be completely absent.In this case, the analyzes will not present any deviations.The most characteristic signs of chronic cystitis are:

• Frequent urination - up to 9-12 times, during which moderate pain and burning sensation periodically appear.During the day, painful and normal processes alternate.
• Even a slight cooling of the body or a violation of the principles of a healthy diet leads to discomfort during the excretion of urine.Often the discomfort turns into exacerbation and the clinical picture becomes vivid.
• The pain in the lumbar region, in the area above the pubis, in the pelvis becomes constant, although weak.
• Occasionally the patient is disturbed by the imperative need to urinate;they become more evident during the cold period.
• The secreted liquid not only becomes cloudy, but also begins to have an unpleasant odor.
• The need to urinate appears at night, typical of prostate pathologies, often accompanied by chronic cystitis.
• Changes also affect the psycho-emotional state, the patient becomes depressed.

Separately, signs of cystitis in pregnant women should be considered.As practice shows, they are more susceptible to pathology than other patients.This phenomenon is due to changes in hormone levels;under the influence of estrogen and progesterone, cystitis can develop in the initial stages of pregnancy.At the same time, it is quite difficult to distinguish it from normal frequent urination, which is natural in such a condition.However, the absence of pain and burning is indicative, the urine remains clear, there are no chills, and when examining the urine there are no traces of inflammation, which usually accompanies cystitis.

In the second half of the trimester, trips to the bathroom become even more frequent, as the enlarged uterus puts more and more pressure on the bladder.However, the phenomenon itself does not relate to the symptoms of cystitis.The uterus puts pressure on the ureters, so that the outflow of urine from the kidneys worsens.The result is an expansion of the renal cavities, in which urine stagnation occurs and pyelonephritis may develop, sometimes accompanied by cystitis.

Often the situation is the opposite: a pregnant woman has no signs of cystitis, but when examining urine, inflammatory changes are detected.The diagnosis in this case sounds like "asymptomatic bacteriuria".If such conditions occur, hospitalization is not necessary, since they are quite easily eliminated with conservative treatment.

Another situation that requires separate consideration is chronic inflammation in women aged 50 years and older.The formation of cystitis is associated with a decrease in the level of estrogen produced, resulting in dryness of the mucous membranes of the genitourinary system.As a result, cracks may form on the surface of the areas near the labia and perineum through which the infection can penetrate.Pathological microorganisms, once on the mucous membranes, easily move into the bladder, especially since in old age the tone of the lower tracts of the urinary system is significantly reduced.The situation is often aggravated by urinary incontinence, which is typical for older generations and develops against the background of weakened pelvic floor muscles.The combination of these factors causes the formation of cystitis.

Methods for diagnosing cystitis

A correct diagnosis is a guarantee that the specialist will develop the most effective treatment regimen for each patient.However, the techniques used in the presence of acute and chronic forms can be different.In case of acute cystitis it is necessary to prescribe:

• General urinalysis.When examining the fluid, leukocytes can be found in large quantities, which indicates the presence of inflammatory processes.Traces of epithelium in the urine sample indicate that the inflammation is localized from the renal pelvis to the bladder.The presence of red blood cells indicates damaged capillaries.
• An ultrasound examination of the entire urinary system and separately of the bladder is prescribed.This method allows you to identify indirect signs of inflammatory processes occurring in the lining of the organ.Ultrasound helps detect rocks and sand which, if dislodged, can damage mucous membranes and other layers, often causing secondary inflammation and further damage to blood vessels.
• A study of the flora under the microscope is carried out to identify the causative agent of the pathology and confirm the fact that it was he who provoked the formation of inflammatory processes.
• In parallel with checking the microflora, it is recommended to conduct an antibiogram, which allows you to determine which drugs the pathogen is resistant to and which will be more effective.

When diagnosing chronic cystitis, the doctor prescribes a general urinalysis, an ultrasound, taking smears for flora and the same antibiogram.These studies can be supplemented by a fluid test to determine the content of leukocytes, red blood cells and casts in 1 ml of urine, together with a sample of three glasses.These types of analyzes will allow you to differentiate other diseases that develop in the genitourinary system.

Traditional treatment with drugs

Let's consider the treatment of cystitis in women.To begin with, in case of exacerbation of the disease, the patient needs rest and a temporary cessation of sexual intercourse: he will have to give up intimacy for at least 10 days.The doctor prescribes a number of drugs that will relieve inflammation and eliminate negative symptoms.To achieve maximum effect, treatment must be comprehensive and based on the type of pathology and the stage of its development.In the treatment of cystitis in women, drugs should include antimicrobial agents, which may belong to several groups:

• Fluoroquinolones.
• Tetracyclines.
• Cephalosporins.
• Macrolides.
• Aminoglycosides.
• Penicillin derivatives.
• Phosfomycins.

In cases where an uncomplicated pathology is treated, antimicrobial tablets for cystitis in women are taken for 3-7 days.In addition to antibiotics, the following are prescribed:

• Short courses of antispasmodics.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Vegetable diuretics: these can be kidney herbal teas, preparations based on extracts.
• Immunomodulators, including the juice of the herb Echinacea purpurea, ginseng root and other similar agents.
• Food supplements.

Additionally, instillations of the bladder may be prescribed: the organ is washed with antiseptic solutions, followed by the administration of drugs.Typically, this technique is indicated for treatment with radiation, chronic cystitis, in case of intolerance to antimicrobial agents and in some cases for pregnant women.

Cystitis in women at home can be relieved by applying a hot heating pad: it should be placed on the stomach or placed between the legs, but only if the form of the disease is non-hemorrhagic.Physiotherapy can be used when magnetic therapy is applied to the bladder section.You should also adjust your intake regimen by drinking at least one and a half liters of purified water within a 24-hour period.

Acute cystitis can usually be eliminated within 3-5 days.However, if symptoms persist, the use of antimicrobial agents may be extended with replacement of the primary drug, as the pathogen may not be sensitive to the previous drug.If the form of the pathology is chronic, treatment focuses on the absence of relapses for a year or more and the elimination of symptoms.In some cases, surgery is required, without which it is difficult to get rid of cystitis.

How to eat if you develop cystitis

Proper nutrition is of great importance when cystitis occurs.The basis of the scheme is the elimination of the inflammatory process.Accordingly, the diet should contain easily digestible foods and a well-chosen drinking regime.As for the principles of therapeutic nutrition, they should be as follows:

• The foods and drinks you choose should have a diuretic effect.
• It is recommended to minimize salt consumption.
• Spicy, fatty, fried foods, canned foods and smoked foods are removed from the menu.
• It is best to process foods by steaming or cooking them.
• The protein content in food should be minimal.
• You will have to give up sugar and its substitutes.
• The products should not cause constipation.

Strict adherence to diet is required during flare-ups;the selection of drinks is of great importance.In addition to ordinary water, it is recommended to take mineral water with calcium chloride, you can cook fruit compotes without sugar and squeeze vegetable juices.The menu should include pumpkin juice, which has an excellent diuretic effect.Cranberry and cranberry fruit drinks will help eliminate inflammatory processes.Once a day it is useful to take herbal tea with the addition of a spoonful of natural honey;it should be prepared using cranberry leaves and corn silk.

The menu should include fresh fruits and vegetables;preference is given to cucumbers and courgettes, carrots, spinach and pumpkin, pears and pomegranates and watermelons.Dairy products should be consumed with caution as they contain fat and calcium.Once a day it is allowed to eat a small portion of natural cottage cheese or yogurt, unsalted cheese with a minimum percentage of fat.Meat and fish should be avoided during flare-ups, gradually introducing low-fat varieties after improvement.The basis of almost any diet is porridge made from whole grains;for cystitis you can add bran to the menu.When preparing salads, you need to use olive or sunflower oil as a dressing.It is allowed to eat a handful of cedar nuts within 24 hours.

There are also strict prohibitions that cannot be ignored.The diet for cystitis excludes the use of:

• Fruits with high levels of fruit acids, as they cause irritation of the mucous layers and interfere with surface healing.The list includes apples, avocados, peaches and melons, citrus fruits and pineapples.
• The use of vinegar is prohibited.
• You can not use sauces: mayonnaise, ketchup, soy seasonings.They are rich in fat and contain salt.
• Sugar and sweet desserts are not indicated, since this is a favorite dish of pathogenic microorganisms, which contributes to their active reproduction.
• Alcohol promotes the removal of fluids, which leads to dehydration and irritation of the damaged organ;strong brewed coffee and tea act similarly.
• Prohibited vegetables include asparagus, tomatoes and legumes, onions and garlic, radishes and radishes, horseradish.

Important.You should completely eliminate from your diet all those foods that provoke and intensify irritation and inflammatory processes occurring in the bladder.

Prognosis for the development of cystitis and preventive measures

It should be understood that one should be afraid not so much of cystitis as of possible complications, including impaired urine circulation, kidney damage leading to the development of pyelonephritis and nephritis, a weakened sphincter, which contributes to urinary incontinence.There may be a decrease in the size of the organ and a loss of elasticity.Another terrible consequence is infertility, caused by constant inflammation.

However, in the acute form of the disease, the prognosis is quite favorable, unless a gangrenous or necrotic disease develops.If the acute form develops against the background of impaired urinary outflow, which is possible with vaginal prolapse, prostatic adenoma, bladder diverticulum and others, the disease can become chronic, but the prognosis for recovery is unfavorable.Prevention of the pathology can significantly reduce the risk of cystitis:

• It is necessary to avoid hypothermia and getting your feet wet.
• Competent diet and proper menu planning are important.
• Careful intimate hygiene is necessary.
• An annual gynecological examination in women and a regular prostate exam in men over forty are important.
• It is necessary to strengthen the immune system.
• It is necessary to normalize stool in case of constipation.

In addition, you should treat chronic kidney disease and eliminate sexually acquired infections.In chronic forms of cystitis, herbal preparations and diuretics should be taken at three-month intervals to prevent flare-ups.