Among many urological diseases, cystitis in women is the most common pathology.The etymology is due to damage to the upper mucous layer of the internal walls of the bladder by the inflammatory process.Sometimes the submucosal and muscular layer is involved in the injury process, causing changes in the tissue structure of the organ and disruption of its functions.
Women are much more likely to suffer from cystitis (up to 80% of all patients).This is due to the peculiarity of the female anatomical structure of the urethral canal.It is wider and shorter than the male urethra, which does not cause difficulties for infectious agents.
The clinical picture of the disease can manifest itself acutely or chronically, with different symptoms and signs.
Causes of cystitis
Cystitis itself belongs to the classification of infectious diseases.Its genesis is associated with bacterial carriers: coliform bacteria (in 70%), spherical staphylococci and other bacteria.The main role in the occurrence of cystitis in women is attributed to the spread of infection from possible injuries to the body:
- In the underlying organs (various forms of vulvovaginitis);
- Descending route with flow of urine from foci of inflammation in the kidneys and upper parts of the ureter;
- Hematogenically, promoting the pathogen (through the bloodstream).
Often, acute cystitis in women develops as a result of structural underdevelopment of the urinary system or oncological neoplasms, which create an obstacle to the normal process of urine production, contribute to its acute retention in the urinary system and the development of infection.
The development of pathology is influenced by several factors that contribute to a decrease in the general resistance (resistance) of the immune system:
- History of acute and chronic (previously suffered) infectious diseases - inflammation of the appendages, fallopian tubes or ovaries, acute or purulent pyelonephritis, inflammation of the urethra;
- Hypothermia and prolonged sedentary work;
- Conditions and diseases that reduce immune protection (pregnancy and diabetes);
- Chronic foci of infection - sore throat, rhinitis or tooth decay;
- Immunosuppressive drugs, stress and instability of the nervous system;
- Back injuries;
- Early sexual intercourse;
- Negligence with hygiene;
- Age factor.
Forms of cystitis and features of manifestation
Cystitis in women can manifest itself in different ways, due to morphological changes in the wall of the bladder cavity.
- Catarrhal pathology is characterized by hyperemia and swelling of the mucous layer of the organ's membrane, caused by the action of the inflammatory process.
- In the hemorrhagic form, bleeding areas of damage appear on the mucous membrane.There is an increase in red blood cells and macroscopic hematuria (dark or red urine).
- In the necrotic (ulcerative) form, deep depressions in the form of grooves are observed that penetrate the muscular tissue of the membrane.
- The follicular form of the disease is characterized by tuberosity of the mucous layer, caused by the formation of follicular tubercles under the mucosa, which do not change the surface of the cavity itself.
- Fibrous appearance - the surface of the mucous layer is covered with a purulent or fibrin film of a whitish or purple color.The walls of the bladder become inflamed, the upper lining of the cavity becomes denser and wrinkled.
- Bullous cystitis is manifested by prolonged excessive redness and significant accumulation of infiltrate (swelling) of the upper layer of the inner lining of the bladder.
- The polypous manifestation is characterized by a long-lasting inflammatory process that causes the development of polyps in the mucous layer and in the cervical region of the organ.
- In cystic pathology, under the layer of the mucous membrane of the bladder, single or group cystic neoplasms are formed, filled with lymphatic tissue and surrounded by modified epithelium.
- The encrusting type of pathology is characterized by a long course.A characteristic symptom is the formation of phosphate deposits (encrustation) on the walls of the bladder cavity, which subsequently contribute to the formation of stones.The transformation of carbamide (urea) into alkali occurs due to bacterial microorganisms capable of metabolizing it.
Signs and symptoms of cystitis in women
Vivid symptoms of cystitis and pronounced signs of the disease in women are observed in acute cases, accompanied by general intoxication (malaise, weakness, chills, vomiting or nausea, slight increase in temperature).
When the disease, after remission (apparent recovery), recurs periodically (more than 2 times a year), it enters the chronic phase.Symptoms of chronic cystitis in women may be less pronounced.
Inflammation processes alternate with the remission stage and acute clinical course.Cystitis in remission has no external signs and symptoms.When the disease worsens, many characteristic symptoms appear:
- Increased urge to urinate (every 20 minutes);
- Pain, burning and stinging along the urethral tract at the time of urine production;
- Pain in the suprapubic region (may be an independent symptom or accompany the release of urine);
- Unpleasant odor and cloudiness of urine, formation of flakes, purulent or blood clots;
- Sensation of residual urine in the urine bag;
- Pain in the lower back and kidney region;
- Enuresis (urinary incontinence) may occur.
Chronic cystitis in womenpresents several signs of the clinical course of the disease.
- The latent course is stable, with rare or frequent exacerbation processes.Symptoms are “erased” or completely absent.
- The persistent type is manifested by symptoms characteristic of chronic pathology.In this case, the functions of the urinal are not impaired.Alternating remission and exacerbation, signs of bleeding within the organ are possible.
- The interstitial course is characterized by stable painful signs of manifestation with significantly pronounced symptoms.There is a spread of inflammation deep into the tissues, a disturbance in the reservoir function (enuresis).This is the most serious type of disease.
With timely treatment, the disease can be treated quickly, otherwise complications cannot be avoided.
Possibility of complications
Lack of treatment or incorrectly selected therapy leads to relapse and complications of the disease:
- The transition of inflammatory processes to the muscular structure of the bladder wall - the development of an interstitial type of pathology.
- Ascending spread of infection, affecting the overlying organs of the urinary system, which contributes to the formation of associated underlying pathologies - damage to the renal pelvis, purulent inflammation of the kidneys, etc.
- Intraperitoneal rupture of the bladder (not excluded) with subsequent formation of peritonitis.
Cystitis - which doctor should a woman see?
If signs of the disease appear, it is necessary to consult a urologist to confirm the diagnosis.It is this doctor who solves urological problems.
To exclude the consequences of STDs, it is necessary to consult a gynecologist.You may need a smear of vaginal flora, which will help identify the disease and determine its stage of development.
Diagnosis - identifying the disease
To identify the disease, various types of diagnostic examinations are used, from express diagnostics to conventional examination methods, including:
- examination of blood and urine parameters;
- identification of hidden inflammatory processes in the urinary system;
- diagnosis of infectious diseases using PCR analysis;
- sowing in a tank for flora - detection of UPM (bacteria);
- identification of underlying diseases - ultrasound of the genitourinary system;
- analysis for vaginal dysbiosis;
- biopsy;
- endoscopic examination of the internal cavity of the bladder (cystoscopy).
How to treat cystitis in women?- drugs and medicines
How quickly cystitis in women can be cured depends on a correctly designed treatment protocol.Treatment tactics include several therapeutic techniques.
Drug therapy involves prescribing appropriate antibiotics for chronic cystitis in women to suppress concomitant infections - a class of cephalosporins and a combination of protected penicillins.
They are prescribed immediately, without waiting for the pathogen to be identified, with subsequent adjustment of medications.
The main treatment is pills.When treating cystitis in women, pills are prescribed to alleviate symptoms.These include anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agents, antispasmodics and uroseptics based on nitrofurans and sulfonamides.As an additional treatment, natural antispasmodics and uroseptics (herbs, herbs, etc.) can be prescribed.
Specific medications are prescribed on a purely individual basis.Since many of them have a series of contraindications and restrictions on their use.Treatment will be complete if you follow a gentle regime and a balanced diet, as diet plays an important role.
- it is necessary to drink more fluids (still water, juices);
- more foods containing vitamin C;
- exclude from the diet smoked meats, seasonings, fried foods, dishes rich in potassium (dishes based on cottage cheese, cheese and milk);
- Alcohol is not permitted.
Measures to prevent cystitis
To prevent a relapse of the disease, you must strictly follow your doctor's recommendations.Basic rules:
- avoid hypothermia and prolonged sitting;
- consume up to 1.5 liters.liquids per day;
- avoid urine stagnation (do not resist the urge);
- during intimacy, use protective methods;
- do not neglect personal hygiene (especially during the menstrual cycle).
Following these simple rules will protect you from re-treatment of the disease.