In most cases, chronic forms of inflammatory diseases of the urogenital area are the result of an unprofessional approach to therapy. The disease cannot be eliminated if the symptoms and treatment of cystitis in women do not match. Medicines imposed by television commercials bring only temporary relief, and after a certain time the disease returns again.
The only way to get rid of cystitis is to determine the cause of the disease and undergo complete treatment under the supervision of a professional urologist.
Cystitis - causes in women
In medicine, the concept of "cystitis" combines several types of symptomatic urinary pathologies, in which the bladder mucosa is damaged. Due to the anatomical characteristics of the body, women suffer from cystitis several times more often than men.
The work of the urinary bladder is connected with all physiological systems, therefore, functional deviations in the internal organs, in one way or another, affect the health of the urogenital sphere of a woman.
The development of the inflammatory process can be preceded by:
- viral or bacterial infections - flu, tonsillitis, sinusitis, staphylococcus aureus, trichomonas, E. coli, caries, furunculosis;
- hypothermia;
- allergic reaction;
- hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause;
- acquired diseases - diabetes mellitus, colitis, spinal injuries, nephrological and endocrine pathologies, tumor formations;
- taking medication;
- reduced immunity;
- anomaly in the development of organs of the genitourinary system;
- insufficient hygiene of genital organs;
- acute forms of cystitis most often occur against the background of congestion in the urinary system.
Paths of penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the bladder also differ. In diseases of the upper respiratory tract, the infection spreads throughout the body through the blood. In diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, microbes enter the genitourinary organs from the anus. Due to nephrological pathologies, infectious agents move from the kidneys together with urine.
Factors that contribute to the occurrence of cystitis are wearing tight synthetic underwear, tendency to constipation, frequent changes of sexual partners, prone to unprotected sex, as well as conditions that reduce the potential of the immune system - stress, lack of sleep, excessive exercise. , irregular diet.
Main symptoms and signs of the disease
The development of cystitis can be acute or with gradually increasing symptoms. Characteristic signs of acute cystitis are cramps and pain during urination.
But as the disease progresses, symptoms such as:
- discomfort in the genital and pubic area;
- itching and burning in the perineum - the result of the irritating effect of toxic substances accumulated in the urine;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- pain in the lower abdomen and back, feeling of fullness;
- headache;
- increased fatigue;
- slight increase in body temperature;
- cloudy urine;
- strong unpleasant smell of urine;
- feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder;
- the appearance of blood in the urine may indicate the development of complications.
Cystitis of an allergic or infectious nature is accompanied by itching in 95% of cases.
Complications of the disease
Due to the high prevalence (the pathology is diagnosed in 40% of women in the world), the severity of the consequences of cystitis is often underestimated.
With proper treatment, provided that there are no causes that support the course of the pathology, the symptoms of acute cystitis disappear, and the woman's well-being improves significantly. If the necessary therapeutic effect is absent, the disease takes a chronic course, which is full of serious health complications.
Chronic cystitis is characterized by damage to a large part of the bladder mucosa. At the same time, edema and thickening appear on the affected areas, against the background of a decrease in the elasticity of the epithelium.
The progress of the pathological process leads to complications that threaten the health of vital organs and systems:
- in 95% of cases, kidney disease occurs - pyelonephritis, kidney failure;
- organic change in the tissues of the urinary bladder is fraught with rupture of its walls and the development of peritonitis;
- frequent inflammations are one of the main reasons for the formation of adhesions;
- reduction of reproductive function, danger of complete loss of ability to bear children;
- urethritis;
- tumor processes;
- formation of ulcers on the walls of the bladder, bleeding;
- urolithiasis disease;
- muscle damage and loss of bladder tissue tone, leading to bladder dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
In a woman's body, there are periods during her life when the predisposition to cystitis is associated with natural physiological changes.
Periods of susceptibility to cystitis in a woman's life
The first critical period occurs before the third year. At this age, children with congenital pathologies of the urinary tract may develop vesicoureteral reflux, in which urine backs up from the bladder to the kidneys. The consequence of the pathology is vulvovaginitis and ascending infection of the bladder.
Puberty is the second period in a woman's life, which is important in terms of the degree of predisposition to cystitis. Along with the hormonal changes inherent in puberty, there is also the risk of infection during unprotected sex.
Menopause is manifested not only in a decrease in the hormonal level in the female body, but also in a decrease in the protective properties of the bladder mucosa, as well as in a change in its anatomical position. All these changes contribute to the development of inflammation of the urinary tract and other pathologies characteristic of cystitis.
Diagnostic measures
Medical examination of patients with suspected cystitis includes not only confirming the diagnosis, but also determining the underlying disease that caused inflammation of the bladder mucosa.
In addition to studying anamnestic data and disease symptoms, urologists use the following diagnostic measures:
- general urinalysis;
- general blood analysis;
- cystoscopy - examination of the bladder with an endoscope;
- analysis of the composition of the microflora of the vagina;
- Ultrasound of the genitourinary system;
- PCR - method of molecular research;
- bacterial culture of urine.
In some cases, doctors use information obtained from a biopsy, a microscopic examination of samples of affected tissue, to make a diagnosis.
Medicines for the entire course of disease treatment
The treatment of cystitis is to remove not only the inflammation of the bladder lining, but also the diseases that support them. The choice of therapeutic methods and means depends on the form of the disease and accompanying pathological processes.
In order to stop the symptoms of an acute form of cystitis, the patient is prescribed bed rest, a special diet, heating pads, as well as antispasmodic, antibacterial and diuretic drugs.
The minimum course of treatment for acute cystitis is 7 days. Interrupting the course of treatment is one of the main reasons for the development of a chronic form of cystitis.
Antibacterial drugs
The appointment of antibacterial drugs is appropriate for cystitis, the causative agents of which are bacteria.
Among the most effective antibacterial agents:
- A phosphonic antibiotic. It is produced in the form of granules. It is taken once in an acute form of cystitis;
- Tablets for cystitis and other, acute or chronic infections of the urinary system. It belongs to the group of quinolones. The active substance is pipemidic acid;
- A popular antibiotic based on nitrofuran. Relevant when exposed to bacteria, whose sensitivity to the drug is proven by culture;
- Backup antibiotic. It is prescribed if the use of other drugs did not give a therapeutic effect. The active substance is from the group of fluoroquinolones;
- A drug from the oxyquinoline group. It is active against most Candida bacteria and fungi;
- An antimicrobial agent from the nitrofuran group that suppresses the activity of bacterial infections. The use of tablets is also suitable as a prophylaxis for diseases of the urinary tract.
Taking any antibacterial drugs is possible only according to the doctor's instructions. Despite high therapeutic effectiveness, modern drugs have many contraindications and can cause unwanted side effects.
Antispasmodics
Agents with antispasmodic properties are an indispensable component of restorative and maintenance therapy for cystitis.
The action of spasmolytic drugs is expressed in the elimination of spasm of the smooth muscles of the urinary bladder and the effect of relaxation and pain relief.
Taking antispasmodics is suitable both for acute forms of cystitis and for relapses of chronic infections.
Anti-inflammatory pills
To relieve inflammation of the bladder mucosa with cystitis, it is recommended to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Along with the elimination of inflammatory processes, drugs of this group provide an analgesic effect, alleviating the pain and discomfort inherent in the pathology.
Phytopreparations
The use of phytopreparations is an effective way to enhance the effect of drug therapy. Herbal medicines are based on natural plant components with biological activity.
- A product containing extracts of oregano, carrot seeds, hop seedlings, as well as peppermint oil and Siberian fir leaves. Provides antiseptic, antispasmodic and diuretic effects. Available as capsules, syrup or drops.
- Tablets based on plant extracts with nephrolytic and antimicrobial properties.
- Paste based on orange and fir oil. It has diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. It prevents the development of urolithiasis.
The reception of phytopreparations is most effective in the initial phase of cystitis development.
Probiotics
As a result of exposure to infectious microorganisms, and after taking antibiotics, there may be a decrease in the activity of beneficial microflora.
To maintain the natural physiological level of the microflora of the intestinal mucosa and genital organs, it is necessary to use probiotics - food supplements that contain live cultures of microorganisms.
Treatment of the chronic form of the disease
In order to get rid of the chronic form of the disease, it is necessary to diagnose all potential foci of infection and provide complex therapy that suppresses the vital activity of the pathogen and its consequences.
The main methods of treatment of chronic cystitis:
- etiological therapy is aimed at eliminating the cause of infection and consists in taking antibacterial drugs;
- Pathogenetic therapy allows you to restore the functions of the immune system, normalize the hormonal background and eliminate structural pathologies of internal organs. The main goals of therapy are to restore the natural flow of urine and eliminate all possible foci of infection. Treatment includes taking immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drugs, and in some cases surgical correction;
- disease prevention - a set of measures that prevent the possibility of infection reoccurring.
Physiotherapy - electrophoresis, electrical tissue stimulation, laser exposure, as well as special exercises that normalize blood circulation in the pelvic organs are prescribed as additional therapeutic measures.
Folk remedies for cystitis in women
The list of folk remedies recommended for the treatment of cystitis includes well-known and affordable herbal remedies: decoction of dill seeds, infusion of millet, teas, infusions and baths of pharmaceutical chamomile, infusion of parsley seeds, St. John's wort teas.
In addition, cranberry and cranberry leaves are considered an indispensable component of home treatment for cystitis.
Due to its unique composition, cranberry leaf provides a complex therapeutic effect on the organs of the genitourinary sphere - antimicrobial, diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Cranberry leaf tea is prepared according to the recipe for making ordinary tea leaves. Take half a glass of this tea three times a day.
The use of cranberry-based drinks provides a powerful healing effect.
Thanks to cranberry proanthocyanidins, berry tea:
- suppresses the vital activity of pathogenic microorganisms;
- prevents the deposition of pathogens on the walls of the organs of the urinary system;
- relieves inflammation;
- protects the body from fungi and microbes;
- increases the elasticity of blood vessels;
- has an immunomodulatory effect.
Fresh or frozen cranberries are used to prepare the medicinal drink. The berries are crushed, poured with boiled water and kept in a steam bath for 10 minutes. Two cups of the drink a day with the addition of honey will improve well-being and health in record time.
Nutrition and microflora
Proper nutrition during the treatment of cystitis is of particular importance. It depends on what types of products will be present in the diet, how quickly it will be possible to remove the inflammation and start the restoration of the damaged tissues of the bladder.
In addition, a properly organized diet maintains the functionality of the microflora that lives on the mucous membranes of the internal organs. This ensures the elimination and withdrawal of pathogenic microorganisms, as well as the normalization of the recovery process.
Therapeutic diet is based on specially selected products and drinking regime.
It is extremely important that the diet is in accordance with the following principles:
- all consumed products must have diuretic properties;
- the amount of salt consumed should be reduced to a minimum;
- exclude from the menu spicy, fatty, fried, smoked, sweet and dairy dishes, as well as canning;
- limit the intake of foods containing protein;
- when cooking, you should limit yourself to minimal heat treatment;
- strong drinks and alcohol are completely excluded;
- the total amount of liquid consumed per day is at least two liters.
During the entire treatment, it is recommended to use cereals, light vegetable soups, boiled meat and lean fish, yogurt, lean salty cheese, cabbage, zucchini, cucumbers, parsley, pomegranate, watermelon and pear.
From drinks, preference should be given to herbal teas and cranberry and cranberry fruit drinks.
Prevention of cystitis
The predisposition to this disease remains throughout the life of a woman who has had cystitis at least once.
Preventive measures will help prevent recurrence:
- timely treatment of any disease;
- minimizing stress;
- compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
- showering is preferable to bathing;
- regular visits to the gynecologist and urologist, testing;
- compliance with the drinking regimen.
In summer, it is important not to miss the opportunity to flush the kidneys and bladder by eating more watermelons.
And most importantly, one should not sacrifice health for beauty and always dress according to the weather, especially in spring and autumn - their warmth is deceptive and the risk of disease is too great.