Cystitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the bladder cavity. Most often, various pathogenic microorganisms are the cause of the disease. Because of this, it is necessary to treat cystitis after an examination and under the supervision of a specialist. Otherwise, there is a high risk of the process transitioning into a chronic form that is poorly amenable to therapy.
Causes
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Both men and children suffer from cystitis, although young women of childbearing age suffer the most from the disease. This is due to anatomical features: the female urethra is wide and short, bacteria easily overcome it and enter the bladder.
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Common causes of cystitis:
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bacteria (Escherichia coli, Proteus, pathogens of venereal diseases);
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viruses (genital herpes);
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urolithiasis;
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states with disturbances of urodynamics, urine outflow;
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hypothermia (vessels narrow in the mucous membrane, ischemia occurs and conditions are favorable for the reproduction of microflora);
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dystrophic processes in the epithelium of the organ
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Cystitis in men occurs less often due to a thin and long urethra, it is difficult for the infection to reach the bladder. As a rule, the stronger sex has urethritis and the accompanying inflammatory process of the prostate gland, prostatitis.
Symptoms
The disease can have both an acute and chronic course. In the first case, the symptoms are quite characteristic:
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frequent and strong urges to urinate;
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discomfort, pulling pain above the pubis;
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pain and cutting during urination;
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sometimes blood impurities appear in the urine;
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body temperature may rise to 37.1–37.8 degrees.
Chronic cystitis in women, men and children hardly manifests itself in the stage of remission. But, for example, after an episode of hypothermia, there is an aggravation, which is accompanied by all the complaints described above.
If cystitis is not treated or treated incorrectly, the infectious process from the bladder can rise up and lead to pyelonephritis - kidney damage. In this case, the temperature rises to 38 and above, weakness, intoxication occurs.
Diagnostics
Establishing a diagnosis of acute cystitis is not difficult: it is enough to interview the patient about complaints and symptoms. It is more difficult to establish the cause of the disease in order to make a course of pathogenetic therapy.
The cystitis diagnostic complex includes:
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medical survey and examination;
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general analysis of urine with culture on nutrient media;
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clinical blood analysis;
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Ultrasound of the kidneys and other organs of the abdominal cavity.
In the acute period, they try not to carry out cystoscopy, so as not to irritate the inflamed urinary tract, not to injure the epithelium. Indications for the procedure are chronic cystitis and situations where the patient's condition does not improve.
Treatment
As a rule, cystitis is treated on an outpatient basis. Medicines are selected to affect the cause of the disease and eliminate unpleasant symptoms:
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antibacterial, antiviral;
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antispasmodics;
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anti-inflammatory;
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phytotherapy;
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physiotherapy after subsidence of active inflammation.
In the chronic version, drugs are injected into the cavity of the bladder, as it is necessary to act on the inner wall of the organ.
Prevention
The best way is to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections and maintain a healthy immune system. Use condoms during sexual contact of any kind, carefully follow the rules of personal hygiene, avoid hypothermia and physical exertion.
A strict diet for cystitis is required in the acute phase and during periods of risk of exacerbation if a person has a chronic process (hypothermia, overfatigue). Recommended menu: fermented milk products, food of plant origin, plenty of drinking. It is necessary to give up alcohol, spices and spicy seasonings.
And the main advice: if symptoms of cystitis appear, contact a specialist. A Universum clinic urologist will diagnose and cure cystitis, preventing the disease from becoming chronic. Also, the consultation will help to avoid exacerbations in the case of a chronic form of the disease.
