Uncomplicated urinary tract infections are very common and often recur. Cystitis is a common bacterial disease that usually affects women (they are about eight times more likely than men).
What is bacterial cystitis?
Cystitis of a bacterial nature is characterized by an inflammatory process of the walls of the bladder. It responds well to treatment and usually does not require hospitalization.
Due to the peculiarities of the structure of the genitourinary system, most complaints about this problem come from women, but sometimes men also experience it.
Reason for development
Bacterial cystitis always happens for a reason - it's the result of pathogens entering the bladder.
The following factors can cause the disease:
- non-compliance with hygiene rules;
- the presence of chronic infections;
- delay catheterization;
- use spermicidal contraceptives;
- frequently change sexual partners;
- atrophic vaginitis in history.
In men, the most common factor in the development of the disease are STIs. The occurrence of cystitis can be influenced by long-term exposure to cold, chronic stress and taking certain medications, but all these factors are considered concurrent. By affecting the body's overall immunity, they increase the ability of pathogenic microorganisms to reproduce.
Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the bladder by ascending, lymphatic, and glycemic routes. The necessary condition for the development of the disease is the penetration of bacteria into the bladder wall.
Symptom
Bacterial cystitis in patients of either sex begins with an acute phase.
It can be recognized by several specific features:
- the occurrence of frequent urge to go to the toilet;
- pain, burning, and discomfort when urinating;
- excretion of a small amount of blood in the urine;
- Going to the toilet wrong, the amount of urine excreted is reduced.
In addition to the specific symptoms, patients may experience the following signs of cystitis:
- pain during and after intercourse;
- discomfort in the perineum and pelvis;
- increased body temperature;
- pain in the lower back.
Progressive disease leads to cloudy urine and the appearance of a characteristic odor. Urinary incontinence can also occur when sneezing or coughing. The chronic form of cystitis is characterized by the same symptoms as the acute form, but they become less pronounced and more intense.
Features that distinguish it from other forms
Cystitis is a disease that has many forms and manifestations. Bacterial, fungal and viral cystitis is most commonly infectious. In some cases, the disease is caused by a kidney infection that is "inherited down".
In addition to those listed, there is a broad group of non-communicable cystitis. They can develop as a result of abiotic mucosal damage.
There are different types of cystitis:
- Injury or inflammation of the bladder due to foreign body. It develops with long-term use of urinary catheters, resulting in tissue damage.
- Interstitial or autoimmune.A chronic form of the disease, which is difficult to diagnose and treat, since the exact cause of the development has not yet been determined by specialists. Usually, this form of cystitis can be recognized by intense pain when filling the bladder, as well as a very frequent urge to urinate - in some cases, their frequency can be as high as 100. times a day.
- Ray.Occurs in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Irradiation adversely affects the mucous membrane of the bladder, causing pain, frequent urination, blood in the urine.
- Allergy.It occurs as a reaction to allergens that have entered the body.
- Toxic chemicals. This form of the disease can occur when spermicidal gels, sanitizing sprays or chlorine get into the urethra when swimming.
Diagnose
Even with specific symptoms, cystitis can only be diagnosed with the help of a laboratory urine test. The analysis allows you to determine the presence of proteins in it, the percentage of excess of white blood cells and hematuria (the presence of red blood cells). In addition, a bacterial culture is performed, thanks to which the doctor can identify the causative agent and select the most effective drugs.
In men, the prostate gland is examined additionally and tests are performed to rule out some genital infections that may be hidden and asymptomatic. Women need to be examined by a gynecologist and take a smear sample to evaluate the microbiome.
Treatment for bacterial cystitis
Bacterial cystitis requires medical treatment with antibacterial drugs. The doctor selects the appropriate means after studying the results of laboratory tests. Chronic disease requires treatment for 7-10 days. In many cases, an integrated approach to the treatment of cystitis is effective.
Treat the root cause
Since the cause of the inflammatory process in the bladder is usually an infection, most often patients are prescribed antibacterial drugs. The most common causative agent of cystitis is Escherichia coli, which is detected in 75-90% of cases.
In 5-10% of patients, the disease is caused by Staphylococcus saprophyticus, other enteric bacteria less commonly.
Treatment of genetic diseases
Antibacterial therapy in women can eliminate bacteria in the bladder, but does not affect bacteria in the gut. They again fall on the perineal surface, into the urethra, and then into the bladder. The membrane of the bladder, which is designed to protect it from bacterial invasion, is disrupted during cystitis, causing a high probability of recurrence of the disease.
In fact, in the world, it is common to treat chronic cystitis by introducing sodium hyaluron into the bladder. There are oral medications, but often the most effective is a combination of them.
Such drugs allow:
- protect the bladder wall from the penetration of bacteria;
- restores the damaged protective layer of the mucous membrane;
- protects the urethra from the influence of toxic components present in the urine;
- significantly reduces the intensity of the inflammatory process occurring in the bladder.
This technique is effective in cases of relapse, resistance to antibacterial drugs, and lack of results from other types of therapy. Another advantage of it is the reduced chance of recurrence and the ability to recover from cystitis in the long run, even in severe cases.
Symptomatic treatment reduces the symptoms of the disease
Bacterial cystitis in women causes discomfort and pain, which can be quite severe. Symptomatic treatment allows to cope with this, the main goal of which is to alleviate the general condition of the patient.
In most cases, doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, recommending to give up tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages. To relieve pain, you can take a warm bath and use a heating pad. During the treatment of cystitis, it is important to drink enough water.
Treatments for bacterial cystitis in women
The treatment for cystitis in women is oral medication. To deal with the disease in the short term allows an integrated approach that takes into account the individual characteristics of the patient's body.
Antibiotics
The basis of the treatment of cystitis is the use of drugs that selectively inhibit or destroy the causative agent. For the treatment of inflammatory processes occurring in the urogenital system of the body, urinary drugs are used, which are eliminated by the kidneys and thus provide an effective concentration of the drug at the inflamed area.
| Antibiotic | Description |
|---|---|
| Phosphonic acid derivative | Water soluble powder with citrus aroma. This drug is considered one of the antibiotics commonly used in the treatment of cystitis. It works for about 2 hours, it is completely eliminated from the body after 2 days. |
| Semi-synthetic antibiotic from the second generation macrolide group | White tablets. The drug is prescribed to patients who have ever had cystitis caused by a sexually transmitted infection. |
| Antibiotics from the fluoroquinolone class II | Orange tablets. 1 tablet is enough for 12 hours, the drug is completely eliminated from the body within 1 day. |
| Antibiotics from the 1st generation quinolones | Affects many viruses. Available in hard capsule form, the active ingredient is nalidixic acid. |
| Antibiotics from the 1st generation quinolones | Available in capsule form, the active ingredient is pipemidic acid. Start to work within the first 1. 5 hours after taking it. Up to 85% of active ingredients are eliminated within 1 day. |
| Semi-synthetic antibiotic from the third generation of cephalosporins | Orange tablets with a berry aroma. The action of the drug is to prevent the synthesis of pathogenic microorganisms. |
Analgesic
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 those drugs as the main thing. The same approach is used in cases where antibiotics cannot be used for one reason or another. As a complex therapy, the specialist may prescribe antispasmodic drugs to stop painful contractions of the bladder wall.
During the acute phase of the disease, the bladder can contract, preventing normal emptying. Muscle relaxation solves this problem and has the effect of reducing pain, improving blood circulation and restoring normal organ functioning.
It is important to note that antispasmodics affect systemic blood flow and the functioning of internal organs, so they should not be used for hematopoietic 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 the ability to urinate normally, which is an important factor in the treatment of cystitis. The most economical are herbal diuretics or herbal medicines, which are used for adjuvant therapy.
Among them are:
- A preparation in the form of a paste, consisting of the necessary herbs and extracts. A small amount of this remedy is diluted with water and taken orally.
- Tablets or solutions of botanical origin containing centaury herb, fenugreek root, and rosemary leaves. It has both diuretic and antibacterial effects on the body.
- Herbal collection. The composition of such herbal remedies includes herbs that stimulate urine production and have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and relaxing effects. As part of the fee, you can find oak bark, St. John, chrysanthemum and flax. Such remedies are effective in various forms of cystitis and are used even in severe cases.
Drinking mode
Drinking adequate amounts of fluids can reduce urine concentration and irritate an inflamed bladder wall, as well as increase the urge to urinate and speed up the elimination of disease-causing 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 essential, helping you to speed up the treatment and recovery process.
Prevent
The bacterial form of cystitis is well preventable, so you can both avoid the disease and protect yourself from possible recurrences after treatment.
Most experts recommend taking these precautions:
- Toilet. Wash at least once a day, at the same time from front to back. Only in this way can we avoid the penetration of pathogens from the anus into the vagina and urethra (this is the most likely mechanism leading to cystitis in women).
- Drink enough fluids.
- Use barrier methods of contraception.
- Protects against hypothermia and prolonged stay in wet swimsuits.
- Refuse synthetic underwear in favor of underwear made from natural fabrics.
Women should also urinate after each sex to remove bacteria that may have entered the urethra. Regular bladder emptying is equally important, as stagnant urine is a breeding ground for pathogens.
If symptoms return within 14 days of completion of therapy, urinalysis is required for bacterial culture. Treatment failure may be due to low susceptibility of the organism to the selected drug.
Possible complications and chronicity of the disease
Untreated cystitis can develop into a chronic form, which is much harder to cure and more expensive to treat. You can avoid this consequence if you see a specialist promptly when the first signs of the disease appear. A fairly common complication is ureteral reflux. It occurs when urine enters the ureter from the bladder, i. e. in the opposite direction.
This process, if not taken care of properly, can lead to metritis, peritonitis, or peritonitis. Inflammation in the bladder wall sometimes causes abscesses and scarring, resulting in a decrease in the amount of urine it can hold. In this case, the patient has to face frequent urination and painful urination.
In men, prolonged cystitis can lead to leakage of urine into the prostate gland, inflammatory processes in the prostate gland, and epididymitis. Women may experience fertility problems. Cystitis is of a bacterial nature, which in its acute form can lead to miscarriage in pregnant women. Therefore, treatment, which in most cases takes about a week, cannot be delayed.