Uncomplicated urinary tract infections are very common and often recur. Cystitis is a common bacterial disease that usually affects women (about 8 times more likely to have it than 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 peculiarity of the structure of the genitourinary system, most complaints about this problem come from women, but sometimes men also have it.
Reasons for development
Bacterial cystitis always occurs for one reason - as a result of pathogens entering the bladder.
The following factors can cause the disease:
- non-compliance with hygiene rules;
- the presence of chronic infections;
- delayed insertion of a urinary catheter;
- use of spermicidal contraceptives;
- frequent change of sexual partners;
- atrophic vaginitis in the anamnesis.
In men, the most common factor in the development of the disease are STIs. The appearance of cystitis can be influenced by prolonged exposure to cold, frequent stressful situations and taking certain medications, but all these factors are considered secondary. By affecting the overall immunity of the organism, they increase the probability of reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the bladder by ascending, lymphogenous and hematogenous routes. A necessary condition for the development of the disease is the invasion of bacteria into the walls of the urinary bladder.
Symptoms
Bacterial cystitis in patients of both genders begins with an acute phase.
It can be recognized by several specific characteristics:
- the appearance of a frequent desire to go to the toilet;
- pain, burning and discomfort during urination;
- passing a small amount of blood in the urine;
- false desire 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 intercourse;
- discomfort in the perineum and pelvis;
- increase in body temperature;
- pulling pains in the lower back.
Progressive disease leads to cloudy urine and the appearance of a specific smell. Urinary incontinence can also occur when sneezing or coughing. The chronic form of cystitis is characterized by the same symptoms as acute, but they become less pronounced 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 of an infectious nature. In some cases, the disease is caused by a "downward" kidney infection.
In addition to the above, there is also an extensive group of non-infectious cystitis. They can develop as a result of non-biological damage to the mucosa.
There are types of cystitis:
- Traumatic or foreign body cystitis. It develops with long-term use of a urinary catheter, which leads to tissue damage.
- Interstitial or autoimmune.A chronic form of the disease, which is difficult to diagnose and treat, because experts have not yet determined the exact causes of its development. Most often, this form of cystitis can be recognized by severe pain when filling the bladder, as well as by a very frequent urge to urinate - in some cases, their number can reach up to 100 times a day.
- Air.It occurs in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Radiation negatively affects the lining of the bladder, causing pain, frequent urges to urinate, and blood in the urine.
- Allergic.It occurs as a reaction to allergens that have entered the body.
- Chemically toxic. This form of the disease can occur when using spermicidal gels, hygiene sprays or chlorine that enters the urethra when visiting the pool.
Diagnostics
Even with the presence of specific symptoms, cystitis can be diagnosed only with the help of a laboratory test of urine. The analysis allows you to identify the presence of protein in it, an excess of leukocytes and hematuria (the presence of red blood cells). In addition, a bacterial culture is carried out, thanks to which the doctor can identify the cause of the disease and choose the most effective drugs.
In men, the prostate is additionally examined and tests are carried out to rule out a number of genital infections that can be hidden and asymptomatic. Women should be examined by a gynecologist and a swab should be taken to assess the microflora.
Methods of treatment of bacterial cystitis
Bacterial cystitis requires drug therapy with antibacterial drugs. The doctor selects the appropriate means 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 most often an infection, patients are most often prescribed antibacterial drugs. The most common cause 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 remove bacteria in the bladder, but does not affect bacteria in the intestines. They fall again on the surface of the perineum, into the urethra, and then into the bladder. The membrane of the bladder, designed to protect it from the penetration of bacteria, is broken during cystitis, which causes a high probability of recurrence of the disease.
In world practice, the treatment of the chronic form of cystitis by introducing sodium hyaluronan into the bladder is widespread. There are oral agents, but often a combination of them is most effective.
Such drugs allow:
- they protect the walls of the bladder from the penetration of bacteria;
- they restore the damaged protective layer of the mucous membrane;
- protect the urothelium from the influence of toxic components contained in urine;
- significantly reduce the intensity of the inflammatory process that occurs in the bladder.
This technique is effective in case of recurrence, resistance to antibacterial drugs and lack of results of other types of therapy. Another of its advantages is the reduction of the probability of recurrence and the possibility of long-term resolution of cystitis, even in advanced cases.
Symptomatic treatment that reduces disease manifestations
Bacterial cystitis in women causes discomfort and pain, which can be quite severe. Symptomatic treatment allows to deal with it, the main goal of which is to alleviate the general condition of the patient.
In most cases, doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, recommend giving up tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages. To ease the pain, you can take warm baths 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
Treatment of cystitis in women includes oral medications. Dealing with 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 excreted through the kidneys and thus ensure an effective concentration of the drug in the area of inflammation.
| Antibiotic | Description |
|---|---|
| Phosphonic acid derivative | Water-soluble powder with a citrus aroma. This drug is considered one of the most commonly used antibiotics in the treatment of cystitis. It works for about 2 hours, it is completely excreted from the body after 2 days. |
| A semi-synthetic antibiotic from the second generation macrolide group | White tablets. It is prescribed to patients who have experienced cystitis as a result of a sexual infection. |
| Antibiotic from the fluoroquinolone group of the II generation | Orange tablets. 1 tablet is enough for 12 hours, the drug is completely excreted from the body within 1 day. |
| Antibiotic from the group of quinolones of the 1st generation | It affects a wide range of viruses. Available in the form of hard capsules, the active substance is nalidixic acid. |
| Antibiotic from the group of quinolones of the 1st generation | Available in capsule form, the active substance is pipemidic acid. It begins to work in the first 1. 5 hours after taking. Up to 85% of the active substance is excreted within 1 day. |
| A semi-synthetic antibiotic from the group of III generation cephalosporins | Orange tablets with a berry scent. The action of the drug is suppression of the synthesis of pathological microorganisms. |
Painkillers
For cystitis, doctors usually prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of tablets or rectal suppositories.
Patients who experience a relapse of the disease often have to take such drugs as the main ones. The same approach is used in cases where the use of antibiotics is not possible for one reason or another. 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 can shrink, which prevents normal emptying. Muscle relaxation solves this problem and has an analgesic effect, improves blood circulation and restores the normal functioning of organs.
It is important to take into account that antispasmodics affect systemic blood flow and the functioning of internal organs, so they are not used in 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.
Diuretics
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 adjunctive therapy.
Among them are:
- 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.
- Tablets or herbal solution containing centaury plant, lovage root and rosemary leaves. It also has a diuretic and antimicrobial effect on the body.
- Plant collections. The composition of such herbal medicines includes plants that stimulate urine production and have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and relaxing effects. Oak bark, St. John's wort, chamomile and flax can be found as part of the benefits. Such means are effective in various forms of cystitis and are used even in advanced cases.
Drinking mode
Consuming a sufficient amount of liquid can reduce urine concentration and irritation of inflamed bladder walls, 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, depending on the patient's body weight. With cystitis, bed rest is necessary, which allows you to speed up the healing and recovery process.
Prevention
The bacterial form of cystitis is suitable for prevention, so you can avoid this disease and protect yourself from possible relapses after treatment.
Most experts recommend taking preventive measures:
- Hygiene. It is necessary 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 pathogens from the anus into the area of the vagina and urethra (this is the mechanism that most often leads to the development of cystitis in women).
- Drinks enough fluids.
- Use of barrier contraceptives.
- Protection against hypothermia and a long stay in a wet bathing suit.
- Rejecting synthetic underwear in favor of underwear made from natural fabrics.
It is also recommended that women urinate after each intercourse to get rid of any bacteria that may have entered the urethra. It is equally important to empty the bladder regularly, because stagnant urine is a favorable environment for the reproduction of pathogens.
If the symptoms return within 14 days after the end of the therapy, it is necessary to urinate for a bacterial culture. Treatment failure may be the result of low sensitivity of the microorganism to the selected drug.
Possible complications and chronicity of the disease
Untreated cystitis can turn into a chronic form, which is much more difficult to solve, and whose therapy 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 enters the ureter from the bladder, i. e. 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 in the walls of the bladder sometimes causes abscesses and scarring, resulting in a decrease in the amount of urine it can hold. In this case, the patient faces frequent and painful urination.
In men, prolonged cystitis can lead to leakage of urine into the prostate, inflammatory process in the prostate and epididymitis. Women may have reproductive problems. Cystitis, which is of a bacterial nature, in an acute form can lead to miscarriage in pregnant women. Therefore, the treatment, which in most cases lasts about a week, cannot be postponed.