Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, which most often has an infectious origin.The symptoms of the disease are painful and disrupt the normal quality of life.In addition, the disease can pose a serious threat to kidney health.How to recognize the first symptoms of cystitis and, most importantly, how to prevent it?A immunologist answered this question.
The cause of inflammation
The urinary system includes: kidneys, ureter, bladder and urethra.The main purpose of the system is to filter blood and remove metabolic products and medicines from the body.Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder and the cause of the kidneys, that is, spreads along the downward path or, rather, rises from the urethra.
There are gender differences in the structure of the urinary system.Since women have shorter and thicker urethra.The infection spreads easier and faster to the bladder, so women are at risk.In clinical practice, it is common to distinguish several types of cystitis.
- Bacterial cystitis most often occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra.Inflammation is caused by E. coli, which spreads from the anus.Another possible delivery path is through sexual contact.However, inflammation can be triggered by your own microbiome.
There are also non -contagious cystitis, which has several types:
- Interstitial
The true cause of chronic inflammation is unclear.But statistically it is often registered in women.However, diagnosis and treatment are difficult due to certain images, as well as lack of understanding of the causes of inflammation.
- Drug
Inflammation can be triggered by taking certain medications.For example, chemotherapy agents, as the removal of metabolic products occur through the kidneys and bladder.
- Ray
Radiation therapy in the pelvic organs, prescribed for the treatment of cancer pathology, can trigger inflammation.Chemotherapy adds complications, which not only annoys the bladder wall, but also reduces the function of the immune system.
- Foreign body cystitis
Long -term catheterization affects the development of bacterial cystitis, as well as traumatic tissue damage, which only complicates the condition.
- Allergy
Inflammation can be triggered by certain cosmetic actions, for example, bubble baths, washing gels, and some contraceptives (spermikide cream).
- As a symptom of other diseases
Sometimes cystitis can be a symptom or complication of other diseases, such as diabetes, urolithiasis, prostatitis and prostate adenoma.
Risk factors
Some people are more likely to develop bladder infections, such as women.But there are other risk factors:
- Sexual relationship
Excessive active sex, or with full bladder, increases the likelihood of developing cystitis.
- Using a particular type of contraceptive
Using the diaphragm increases the likelihood of developing cystitis.Some types of contraceptives that contain spermicidal agents increase the likelihood of developing cystitis.
- Pregnancy
In this case, hormone changes, decreased immune function, and increased uterus, which put pressure on the bladder, exposed to inflammation.
- Menopause
In this case, hormone changes, as well as dry mucous membranes, are exposed to inflammation.
- A disruption of the urine flow
In men, cystitis develops due to infarction of urine flow, which can occur with urolithiasis or enlargement of the prostate gland.Keep in mind that in men without predisposing factors, cystitis rarely develops.
Symptoms of cystitis
Symptoms of cystitis vary -different, depending on the form and cause of inflammation.But it is still possible to identify some ordinary people formed in any form of inflammation:
- Frequent urine
This is the first and early sign of cystitis.Due to inflammation of the bladder wall, the receptor is irritated even by a little urine.Therefore, frequent urge to urinate is formed, but a little urine is released.
- The feeling of the bladder that is not fully emptied
This can be explained by the process of inflammation and irritation of the bladder wall.Along with frequent urination, it disrupts normal quality of life, disrupts daily activities and can lead to increased irritation and mood changes.
- Sensation burns when urinating
Gradually, a clear burning sensation appears when urinating.Initially, at the end of the urethra, when the urine begins, but upon completion, the burning sensation runs in a wave to the bladder.The severity of the burning sensation may vary -depending on the severity of the disease.
- Sore
Along with burning sensations, pain arises when urinating.Sometimes it is very difficult to distinguish between burning and pain;They join each other.Sometimes pain and discomfort in the pelvic area can survive even in the pelvic organs.
- Rising temperature
With cystitis, body temperature rarely rises to a high level (up to 37.5º C), and often remains normal.
- Changes in urine
Urine may have unpleasant and different odors.In some cases, various impurities can be found in it: sediment or blood in the urine, as it changes color - it becomes dark.
A worrying symptom
There are some symptoms that require immediate medical attention.These include:
- Severe pain in the back and/or side, which can radiate to the thigh.In combination with signs of cystitis, this may indicate urolithiasis and other signs.
- Significant improvement in body temperature - more than 38º C. Increased temperature is a serious sign of inflammation.
- Nausea and vomiting.The emergence of such symptoms indicates serious intoxication, as this is a defense reaction, as the body tries to get rid of toxins.
- You should consult your doctor immediately if you have frequent and painful urination containing blood.You should be careful if symptoms appear after taking antibiotics.
The possibility of complications
Complications develop only if there is no treatment or if the doctor's recommendation is not followed.Complications include kidney damage.Infections can increase from the bladder to the kidneys and cause pyelonephritis.And this is a very serious disease that can cause kidney damage and irreversible metabolic disorders.Children and the elderly, as well as women during pregnancy, are at risk for developing such complications.
How to prevent cystitis
When the first symptoms appear, you should take active treatment steps under the supervision of a doctor.To determine the treatment tactics, you need to undergo an examination and determine the cause of the inflammation.Collecting complaints, symptoms and reasons suspected will help with this.
Given the most common causes of inflammation are bacteria, patients are prescribed antibiotics, as well as bathing with anti-inflammatory solutions and other suggestions that will help quickly overcome inflammation.
In the future, it is advisable to comply with the following rules:
- Maintaining a drinking regime.
These are the main rules that must be followed especially strictly.
- Go to the toilet at the first impulse.
If you feel the desire to urinate, you should go to the toilet immediately;It is strictly forbidden to hold it.In this way, this rule must be followed outside cystitis.
- Note the rules of personal hygiene.
When washing, water flow and hand movements should be directed from the pubis to the anus.The same rules must be followed during all manipulation.During personal hygiene, it is not recommended to use a hard brush or rub the area around the vagina and the anus is too strong.
- Bath.
Unlike bathing, baths allow water to flow and prevent spread of infection.
- Clear your bladder.
You should visit the toilet and empty your bladder before and after sexual intercourse.Popular books describe the condition: with full bladder, the body is brighter and stronger.In fact, this is not true, the only desire is to visit the toilet faster, and the symptoms of cystitis will not take long to appear.