Cystitis is one of the urological pathologies that most often affect the female body. In fact, almost every representative faces it at least once in their life. The disease significantly reduces the quality of life, bringing discomfort and unpleasant sensations. That is why it is necessary to solve it as soon as possible.
The disease is very insidious in the psycho-emotional sense. Its appearance leads to the development of certain fears and complexes, and also increases the feeling of anxiety and irritability against the background of the need to visit the toilet often and give up some familiar things.
What to do if signs of illness appear? Give up trying to eliminate them yourself or wait for the symptoms to go away on their own. It is better to consult a doctor immediately. Make an appointment with a specialist who will determine the true nature of the problem and establish the correct diagnosis, as well as prescribe an effective treatment. Doctors carry out a comprehensive assessment of the nature of the pathology and prognosis of therapy, carry out diagnostics using modern methods and using high-tech equipment.
What is female cystitis
The pathology refers to inflammation in an acute or chronic form, which occurs in the tissues of the bladder (UB) and under the influence of a fungal or bacterial infection. However, a non-bacterial type of pathology is also known.
Cystitis in women is a problem that often recurs. According to statistics, in half of all cases of the disease, there is a repeat visit to the specialist within a year. As a rule, it is diagnosed in patients of reproductive age. Refusal to treat the acute form of the disease causes its transition to the chronic phase. The latter is characterized by the spread of pathogenic microorganisms to other organs of the genitourinary system, as well as worsening symptoms that occur periodically.
The course of the disease for a long period of time without treatment causes complications that include:
- Formation of adhesions in MP.
- Disorders in the work of the urinary system.
- Kidney failure.
- Bleeding and ulcers on the bladder walls.
- Benign and malignant neoplasms.
Reasons for occurrence
Most often, inflammation of the bladder mucosa occurs due to the entry of fungi or bacteria into it. The threat of infection also increases due to the fact that the female urethra is short and wide, which allows pathogenic organisms to easily enter the urinary tract if the rules of intimate hygiene are not followed or sexually transmitted pathologies develop.
The main factors that cause inflammation in the female bladder are:
- Infections, including those transmitted by unprotected sex. In this case, the entry of pathogenic microorganisms has an ascending nature. They first enter the vagina and urethra.
- Special manipulations and surgical interventions. For example, bladder catheterization over a long period of time significantly increases the likelihood of developing inflammatory processes.
- The use of certain detergents and care products for intimate hygiene, substances in which can cause an aggressive reaction in the body.
- Exposure to low temperatures due to reduced immune capabilities. It is worth understanding that just being in the cold cannot cause pathology. Such a stay becomes a provocateur for the development of cystitis in women with low immunity.
It is also necessary to take into account provoking factors, including:
- Chronic infection of any location.
- Gynecological diseases of an inflammatory nature have occurred in the recent past.
- Disorders in the hormonal system.
- Non-observance of personal hygiene rules.
- Chaotic intimate life.
- Obesity.
- Long-term use of certain drugs, which led to a decrease in the body's protective properties.
- Other pathologies, including diabetes mellitus, as well as the presence of foci of chronic infections in the body.
Symptoms of cystitis in women
The symptoms of the disease are very diverse, which is a consequence of the variability of its forms. The main symptoms for all forms of cystitis are described below:
- Appearance of a feeling of discomfort and distention in the area where the MP is located.
- A more frequent urge to urinate than usual, which has nothing to do with the amount of fluid consumed.
- Pain in the lower abdomen.
- Urinary outflow disorder, which is expressed in a small volume of excreted urine with a constant feeling of bladder fullness.
- A change in the color of urine to brown or reddish, as well as a pungent odor that differs from normal.
- Unpleasant sensations during the process of emptying the bladder, manifested by pain and burning.
- Flatulence.
- False urge to defecate.
- Transfer of painful sensations to other areas of the pelvis.
- Inclusions of blood or mucus in the urine, its turbidity.
- Sleep disorder.
In addition, signs of cystitis in women include chills, increased sweating, weakness and a slight increase in body temperature. In some cases, urinary incontinence is possible caused by pathological damage to the muscle layer of the bladder.
The chronic form of the disease is characterized by mild symptoms, and its presence can only be indicated by an excessively frequent urge to urinate. Signs of chronic pathology become more intense during exacerbations.
Diagnosis of cystitis
The first signs of pathology should be the reason for scheduling an appointment with a specialist. During the examination, the competent urologist will talk with the patient about existing complaints about the condition, and will also analyze the medical history in order to identify risk factors for the onset of the disease. In some cases, an examination of the external genital organs allows us to determine what could be the source of the inflammatory process. In addition, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are carried out in order to clarify the reasons that caused unpleasant symptoms.
Before proceeding to the treatment of cystitis in women, it is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. To do this, the following manipulations are carried out:
- Collection of urine for analysis of its cellular and biological composition. It is important to explain to the patient the basic rules for the preparation and direct collection of urine.
- General venous blood test. It is carried out to check the presence or absence of other diseases and to assess the general condition.
- Bacterial culture of urine, which allows you to isolate pathogens using special media. In addition, the technique is aimed at determining the sensitivity of microorganisms to certain drugs, which enables the selection of an effective drug for cystitis in women.
- Cystoscopy, which involves examining the lining of the bladder by inserting a thin tube with a camera at the end through the urethra. The image is displayed on the monitor, and the doctor has the opportunity to assess the condition of the tissue. Tissue samples can be taken for further histological examination.
- Ultrasound examination of the kidneys and bladder.
Treatment of cystitis
The treatment program is prescribed by the doctor and determined by the identified provocateurs of the development of the inflammatory process. Competent therapy should be aimed at suppressing pathogens and other factors that are the cause of unpleasant symptoms.
In the case of an acute course of the disease, the specialist prescribes antimicrobial drugs even before receiving the results of the examination. This is necessary to reduce the risk of complications. Then the therapeutic course can be adjusted to achieve the best results. In any case, the decision on how to treat cystitis in women should be made by a qualified doctor.
Antibiotics
Medicines of this group have the ability to destroy pathogens, as well as to stop the infection in order to prevent its spread to other organs. In the early stages of treatment of an acute disease, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed, which work against gram-negative bacteria. If the examination results show that the isolated microorganisms are not sensitive to these drugs, it is necessary to adjust the therapy. In the case of a chronic disease, drugs are prescribed after the diagnostic findings are obtained.
The duration of antibiotic therapy for cystitis in women ranges from three to fourteen days. During that time, you need to see a doctor.
Diuretics
This group includes drugs that have a diuretic effect. Their intake increases the outflow of urine, which leads to the washing of pathogenic flora from the body, as well as to the reduction of the level of irritating substances. Diuretics are prescribed relatively rarely as a means of suppressing the disease. Basically, experts favor herbal options.
Antispasmodics
Medicines of this group have also shown their effectiveness in solving urological problems such as cystitis in women. Taking antispasmodics in pill form does not have a targeted effect in the bladder area. In this case, there is a systemic effect at the level of all courts and authorities.
There is an opinion that prescribing drugs from this group as part of the treatment of the disease is unjustified. This is due to their effect on the muscle layer of the bladder, while the pathology is inflammation of its mucous membrane, which has nothing to do with muscles.
Vitamin preparations
Vitamins are taken during the rehabilitation period in order to restore and maintain the body's immune functions. In addition, they can be prescribed as a component of the main treatment and for preventive purposes.
The choice in favor of certain vitamin preparations, as well as their dosage, is based on a number of aspects, including the general condition and well-being of the patient, the form of the inflammatory process, etc. Cystitis requires the use of vitamins, which:
- they help strengthen local immunity;
- stimulate the bladder;
- accelerate the tissue regeneration process.
All the above functions work well:
- Multivitamins that contain at least two components.
- Vitamin complexes indicated for cystitis in women. Contains useful elements and minerals. It promotes the restoration and overall strengthening of the organism.
- Monovitamins are prescribed for severe immunodeficiencies and chronic diseases characterized by frequent exacerbations.
It is important to remember that self-prescribing vitamin preparations, suppositories, ointments or tablets for cystitis in women is strictly prohibited. The choice of one or another drug and the determination of its optimal dose, as well as the frequency of application and the duration of treatment are determined only by the doctor.
Characteristics of nutrition for cystitis
The effectiveness of the treatment largely depends on the diet that the woman follows during the treatment. It is recommended to follow certain rules regarding the consumption of certain foods and drinks during the entire therapeutic course. These rules mean:
- Exclusion of spices, marinades, smoked meat and pickles. You should also avoid sweets and fried foods. You should try to reduce your salt intake as much as possible. Alcoholic and carbonated drinks, as well as tea and coffee should be prohibited.
- Reduce the consumption of fish, poultry and fatty meat.
- Minimizing the consumption of dairy and fermented milk products. Consumption of unsalted and low-fat cheeses, low-fat yogurt and fresh cheese, and milk in small quantities is allowed.
- Increasing the proportion of fresh fruits and vegetables in the daily diet, as well as vegetable oils, cereals and bran.
Cystitis in pregnant women
In cases where the disease is diagnosed in a woman who is carrying a child, it is necessary to follow the rules described below:
- Do not take antibiotics on your own to treat the problem, unless prescribed by your doctor. This is due to the fact that taking antibacterial drugs can negatively affect the fetus, and only a qualified specialist knows which drugs are safe during pregnancy.
- Avoid drips, which involve administering liquid medication into the urethra and bladder. Manipulation is dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy.
- Avoid taking drugs that belong to the non-steroidal group and have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can cause the development of pathologies in the child.
- Do not undergo physical therapy treatment.
- Reduce the frequency of taking hot baths, and also avoid visits to saunas, baths and steam rooms to prevent overheating, which can cause uterine hypertonus.
Therapy of pathology in the later stages of pregnancy practically does not differ from the treatment prescribed in the early stages. However, in this case, the danger to the child resulting from taking the medication is significantly reduced.
It is worth remembering that self-medication is prohibited. Only a doctor determines what should be done for cystitis in women during pregnancy. Therefore, you must immediately report the first signs of the disease to the gynecologist and strictly follow all the received recommendations.
Prevention
The risk of developing the disease can be reduced by following simple preventive measures. They provide:
- Avoiding hypothermia.
- Ensure that the bladder is emptied on the first urge.
- Maintaining a healthy intimate life, avoiding promiscuous and unprotected relationships.
- Daily consumption of clean drinking water in sufficient quantity.
- Timely treatment of any infections of the genitourinary system.
- Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.
Prevention of cystitis in women includes constant bowel movements. An active lifestyle is also important, for which it is recommended to include physical activity in your daily schedule. Thanks to this, you can get rid of congestion in the pelvic organs and stabilize the urination process.
The disease is characterized by extremely unpleasant symptoms and a rapid course, which significantly reduces the level of quality of life. However, a competent approach to its treatment allows you to quickly forget about pain, discomfort and other signs, and also prevent the development of unwanted complications. Specialists will provide a professional approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cystitis, and will also tell you about the rules of behavior that are necessary for the prevention of the disease.
FAQ
Many women are interested in information about this disease, because it is one of the most common urological diseases. If you have knowledge about preventive measures, as well as about the signs of cystitis and possible methods of treatment, it will be much easier to deal with the problem if it arises. Below are frequently asked questions about pathology, as well as detailed answers to them.
Is there chronic cystitis?
The lack of timely treatment of the acute form of the disease leads to its transition into a chronic course. Chronic cystitis is defined as inflammation of the urinary bladder that occurs at least twice within six months, or includes three episodes of relapse within one year. There are the following types:
- Primary, characterized by the initial development of inflammation in the bladder.
- Secondary, in which the inflammatory process first appears in nearby organs and then spreads to the MP.
How does cystitis hurt in women?
The disease is characterized by a rather painful course. As it develops, a woman begins to feel pain in the lower lumbar region, as well as in the lower abdomen. Also, painful sensations and burning are noticed during urination. There is a constant feeling of fullness of the bladder, despite the fact that frequent urges to void result in the release of a small amount of urine.
What infections cause female cystitis?
The main infectious agent of the disease is Escherichia coli. This accounts for about eighty percent of all cystitis cases in women. But its causative agents can also be other microorganisms, including those that cause STIs. The entry of pathogens into the bladder does not always result in pathology, because the body's protective functions are aimed at fighting it.
Causes of frequent cystitis
A key factor that causes repeated episodes of the disease is the behavioral aspect:
- Promiscuous sexual intercourse.
- Taking antibiotics that negatively affect the microflora of the vagina and intestines.
- Frequent change of partners.
Women at risk of recurrence of the pathology are:
- Those who use spermicides for contraception.
- in postmenopause.
Among the possible reasons that lead to redevelopment:
- Residual urine after urination, which is caused by genital prolapse.
- Decreased estrogen levels.
- Features of the location of the urethra caused by anatomical abnormalities.
Can cystitis cause incontinence?
The disease can lead to such an unpleasant condition as urinary incontinence. It occurs as a result of pathological damage to the muscle layer of the bladder, which is why it cannot function normally.
Can cystitis cause constipation?
Constipation may play a role in the development of pathology. The fact is that the bladder and intestines are very close, and when feces accumulate in the second, there is pressure on the first. As a result, there is a violation of blood circulation in the pelvic organs, which ultimately impairs their work and causes inflammation.
Constipation with cystitis in women can occur. But that has nothing to do with this disease.
What can you do for cystitis with custody?
Treatment of the disease during breastfeeding should be carried out with caution, because during its course it affects the health of not only the mother, but also the child. Only a competent doctor can choose an appropriate and, most importantly, safe therapeutic regimen. In this case, drugs are prescribed that are not excreted in breast milk or do not have a toxic effect on the child's body.
It is strictly forbidden to take any medicines without a doctor's prescription. To alleviate the symptoms of the disease, you can use:
- Dry heat applied to lower abdomen.
- Antispasmodics allowed during breastfeeding.
It is recommended to follow a special diet and stay in bed. The decision on the possibility of continuing breastfeeding is made by the doctor, taking into account which medicines are prescribed to the mother.
Is it possible to eat sweets with cystitis?
In order to increase the effectiveness of treatment aimed at eliminating the pathology, it is recommended to follow a special diet. This includes excluding certain drinks and foods from the diet, including sweets. After full recovery, you can return to your usual lifestyle and diet.