Uncomplicated urinary tract infections are very common and often recur. Cystitis is a common bacterial disease that usually affects women (they are about 8 times more likely to develop it than men).
What is bacterial cystitis?
Bacterial cystitis is characterized by an inflammatory process of the bladder wall. It responds well to treatment and usually does not require hospitalization.
Due to the unique structure of the genitourinary system, most complaints about this problem come from women, but sometimes men also experience it.
Because of development
Bacterial cystitis always occurs for one reason - as a result of pathogens entering the bladder.
The following factors can trigger the disease:
- non-compliance with hygiene rules;
- the presence of chronic infections;
- delay in urinary catheter placement;
- use of spermicidal contraceptives;
- frequent changes of sexual partners;
- atrophic vaginitis in the history.
In men, the most common factor in the development of the disease is an STI. The appearance of cystitis can be affected by prolonged exposure to cold conditions, frequent stress and taking certain medications, but all these factors are considered to be concurrent. By affecting the immunity of the whole body, they increase the possibility of reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the bladder by ascending, lymphogenous and hematogenous routes. A necessary condition for the development of this disease is the invasion of bacteria into the bladder wall.
symptoms
Bacterial cystitis in patients of either gender begins with an 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 small amounts of blood in the urine;
- a false urge to go to the toilet, a decrease in the amount of urine released.
In addition to specific symptoms, patients may experience the following signs of cystitis:
- pain during and after intercourse;
- discomfort in the perineum and pelvis;
- increased body temperature;
- pulling pain in the lower back.
Progressive disease leads to cloudy urine and the appearance of a specific smell. Urinary incontinence may also occur when sneezing or coughing. The chronic form of cystitis is characterized by the same symptoms as the acute one, but they become less clear and intense.
Distinctive features compared to other forms
Cystitis is a disease that has a large number of forms and manifestations. The most common bacterial, fungal and viral cystitis is infectious. In some cases, the disease is provoked by a "down" kidney infection.
In addition to those listed, there is a wide group of non-infectious cystitis. They can develop as a result of non-biological mucosal damage.
There are types of cystitis:
- Traumatic or foreign body cystitis. It develops with prolonged use of urinary catheters, which leads to tissue damage.
- Interstitial or autoimmune.A chronic form of the disease, which is difficult to diagnose and treat, because the exact cause of development has not been established by experts. Often, this form of cystitis can be recognized by severe pain when filling the bladder, as well as a very frequent desire to urinate - in some cases, their number can reach up to 100 times a day.
- Ray.Occurs in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Irradiation adversely affects the mucous membrane of the bladder, causing pain, frequent urge to urinate, blood in the urine.
- allergies.It occurs in response to an allergen that has entered the body.
- Toxic chemicals. This form of the disease can occur when using spermicidal gel, sanitary spray, or chlorine entering the urethra when visiting the pool.
Diagnostics
Even with the presence of certain symptoms, cystitis can only be diagnosed with the help of a laboratory urine test. The analysis allows you to identify the presence of protein in it, an excessive percentage of leukocytes and hematuria (the presence of red blood cells). In addition, bacterial culture is carried out, thanks to which the doctor can identify the causative agent of the disease and choose the most effective drug.
In men, the prostate gland is also examined and tests are carried out to exclude some genital infections that can be hidden and asymptomatic. Women should be examined by a gynecologist and take a smear to evaluate the microflora.
Methods for the treatment of bacterial cystitis
Bacterial cystitis requires drug treatment with antibacterial drugs. The doctor chooses the appropriate method after studying the results of laboratory tests. Diseases in the chronic stage require 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 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 in women can get rid of bacteria in the bladder, but does not affect bacteria in the gut. They again fall on the surface of the perineum, into the urethra, and then into the bladder. The membrane of the bladder, which is designed to protect it from bacterial penetration, is broken during cystitis, which causes a high probability of recurrence of the disease.
In world practice, the treatment of chronic forms of cystitis by inserting sodium hyaluron into the bladder is widespread. There are oral agents, but more often the most effective is their combination.
Such drugs allow:
- protects the bladder wall from bacterial penetration;
- restores the protective layer of the damaged mucous membrane;
- protect the urothelium from the influence of toxic components contained in urine;
- significantly reduces the intensity of the inflammatory process occurring in the bladder.
This technique is effective in case of relapse, resistance to antibacterial drugs and lack of results from other types of therapy. Another advantage is to reduce 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 manifestation of the disease
Bacterial cystitis in women causes discomfort and pain, which can be quite severe. Symptomatic treatment allows to overcome this, the main goal is to reduce the general condition of the patient.
In most cases, doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, recommend stopping drinking tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages. To relieve the pain, you can take a warm bath and use a heating pad. During the treatment of cystitis, it is important to drink enough water.
Medicines for the treatment of bacterial cystitis in women
Therapy for cystitis in women involves oral medication. To overcome the disease in a short time allows an integrated approach that takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body.
Antibiotics
The basis of cystitis treatment is the use of drugs that can selectively inhibit or destroy pathogens. For the treatment of inflammatory processes that occur in the urogenital system of the body, uroseptics are used, which are removed through the kidneys and thus provide an effective concentration of the drug in the area of inflammation.
| Antibiotics | Description |
|---|---|
| Phosphonic acid derivatives | Water-soluble powder with a citrus aroma. This drug is considered one of the most commonly used antibiotics in the treatment of cystitis. It acts for about 2 hours, it is completely removed from the body after 2 days. |
| Semi-synthetic antibiotics from the macrolide II generation group | White tablets. It is prescribed for patients suffering from cystitis due to sexually transmitted infections. |
| Antibiotics from the fluoroquinolones II generation group | Orange tablets. 1 tablet is enough for 12 hours, the drug is completely removed from the body within 1 day. |
| Antibiotics from the quinolone group of the first generation | Affects various types of viruses. Available in the form of hard capsules, the active ingredient is nalidixic acid. |
| Antibiotics from the quinolone group of the first generation | Available in capsule form, the active ingredient is pipemidic acid. Begins to work in the first 1. 5 hours after ingestion. Up to 85% of the active ingredient is excreted within 1 day. |
| Semi-synthetic antibiotics from the group of III generation cephalosporins | Orange tablets with a berry scent. The action of the drug is to block the synthesis of pathological microorganisms. |
Pain reliever
For cystitis, doctors usually prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets or rectal suppositories.
Patients with recurrent disease often have to take the same medication as the main one. The same approach is used in cases where the use of antibiotics for one reason or another is not possible. As a complex therapy, specialists can prescribe antispasmodic drugs that prevent painful spasms of the bladder wall.
In the acute phase 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 normal organ function.
It is important to consider that antispasmodics affect systemic blood flow and the function of internal organs, so they are not used for hematopoiesis problems, kidney and liver failure, acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and some other health problems. Therefore, their intake and dosage must be agreed with the doctor.
Diuretic
Diuretics are prescribed to restore normal urination, which is an important factor in the treatment of cystitis. The most economical are herbal diuretics or herbal medicines, which are intended for adjuvant therapy.
Among them are:
- A preparation in the form of a paste, consisting of herbs and essential extracts. A small amount of this medicine is diluted with water and taken orally.
- A herbal tablet or solution containing centaury herb, lovage root and rosemary leaf. It has both diuretic and antimicrobial effects on the body.
- A collection of herbs. The composition of the herbal medicine includes herbs that stimulate urine production and have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and relaxing effects. As part of the payment, you can find oak bark, St. wort. John's wort, chamomile and flax. Such drugs are effective in various forms of cystitis and are used even in advanced cases.
Drinking mode
Drinking a sufficient amount of fluid can reduce the concentration of urine and irritation of the inflamed bladder wall, as well as increase the urge to urinate and accelerate the removal of pathogenic bacteria. Doctors recommend drinking at least 2-3 liters of water per day, based on the patient's body weight. With cystitis, bed rest is required, which allows you to speed up the treatment and recovery process.
Prevention
The bacterial form of cystitis is suitable for prevention, with which you can avoid this disease and protect yourself from the possibility of recurrence after treatment.
Most experts recommend taking preventive measures:
- Cleanliness. It should be washed at least 1 time a day, while the direction should be from front to back. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the entry of pathogens from the anus into the vaginal area and urethra (this is the mechanism that most often leads to the development of cystitis in women).
- Drink enough fluids.
- Use of barrier contraception.
- Protection against hypothermia and long stays in wet swimwear.
- Rejection of synthetic underwear in favor of underwear made of natural fabrics.
Women are also recommended to urinate after every sexual intercourse to get rid of bacteria that may have entered the urethra. It is equally important to empty the bladder regularly, because stagnant urine is a beneficial environment for the reproduction of pathogens.
If symptoms return within 14 days after completion of therapy, it is necessary to remove urine for bacterial culture. Treatment failure may be due to low susceptibility of microorganisms to the selected drug.
Possible complications and chronicity of this disease
Untreated cystitis can develop into a chronic form, which becomes more difficult to get rid of, and more expensive therapy. You can avoid these consequences if you turn to a specialist in time when the first signs of the disease appear. A relatively common complication is vesicoureteral reflux. It occurs when urine enters the ureter from the bladder, that is, in the opposite direction.
This process, if not given proper attention, can cause inflammation of the uterus, peritonitis, or inflammation of the peritoneum. The inflammatory process in the bladder wall sometimes causes abscesses and scarring, resulting in a reduction in the amount of urine that can be held. In this case, the patient is faced with frequent and painful urination.
In men, prolonged cystitis can cause leakage of urine into the prostate gland, inflammatory processes in the prostate, and epididymitis. Women may experience reproductive problems. Cystitis, which is bacterial, in acute form can cause miscarriage in pregnant women. Therefore, treatment, which in most cases takes about a week, should not be delayed.