Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, which most often has an infectious origin.The symptoms of the disease are painful and interfere with normal quality of life.Additionally, this disease can pose a serious threat to kidney health.How to recognize the first symptoms of cystitis and, above all, how to prevent it?An immunologist answered this question.
Causes of inflammation
The urinary system includes: the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.The main purpose of the system is to filter the blood and remove metabolic products and drugs from the body.Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder and the cause can descend from the kidneys, that is, spread down the descending path or, on the contrary, ascend from the urethra.
There are gender differences in the structure of the urinary system.Whereas women have a shorter and thicker urethra.Infections spread more easily and quickly to the bladder, putting women at risk.In clinical practice, it is customary to distinguish several types of cystitis.
- Bacterial cystitis most often occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra.The inflammation is caused by E. coli, which spreads from the anal area.Another possible route of transmission is through sexual intercourse.However, inflammation can be triggered by your own microbiome.
There are also non-infectious cystitis, which comes in several types:
- Interstitial
The exact cause of chronic inflammation is unclear.But statistically, this is more often recorded in women.However, diagnosis and treatment are difficult due to the specific picture as well as the lack of understanding of the causes of inflammation.
- Medicine
Inflammation can be triggered by taking certain medications.For example, chemotherapeutic agents, because the elimination of metabolic products occurs through the kidneys and bladder.
- Radius
Radiotherapy of the pelvic organs, prescribed for the treatment of cancer pathologies, can cause inflammation.Chemotherapy adds complications that not only irritate the bladder walls, but also reduce the functioning of the immune system.
- Foreign body cystitis
Long-term catheterization predisposes to the development of bacterial cystitis, as well as traumatic tissue damage, which only complicates the situation.
- Allergic
Inflammation can be triggered by the action of certain cosmetic products, for example bubble baths, cleansing gels, as well as certain contraceptives (spermicidal creams).
- 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:
- Sex
Excessively active sex or sex with a full bladder increases the risk of developing cystitis.
- Use certain types of contraceptives
Using a diaphragm increases the risk of developing cystitis.Certain types of barrier contraceptives containing spermicidal agents increase the risk of developing cystitis.
- Pregnancy
In this case, hormonal changes, decreased immune function and the growth of the uterus, which puts pressure on the bladder, predispose to inflammation.
- Menopause
In this case, hormonal changes, as well as dry mucous membranes, predispose to inflammation.
- Urine flow disorders
In men, cystitis develops due to a violation of urine flow, which can occur with urolithiasis or enlarged prostate.It should be noted that in men without predisposing factors, cystitis rarely develops.
Symptoms of cystitis
Symptoms of cystitis vary depending on the form and cause of the inflammation.But it is always possible to identify a certain number that form in any form of inflammation:
- Frequent urination
This is the first and foremost sign of cystitis.Due to inflammation of the bladder walls, the receptors are irritated by even small amounts of urine.Due to this, a frequent urge to urinate is formed, but a small amount of urine is released.
- Sensation of a bladder that is not completely emptied
This can be explained by the inflammatory process and irritation of the bladder walls.Combined with frequent urination, it disrupts normal quality of life, interferes with daily activities and can cause increased irritation and mood swings.
- Burning sensation when urinating
Gradually, a pronounced burning sensation appears when urinating.Initially, at the end of the urethra, when urination begins, but once completed, a burning sensation spreads in waves up to the bladder.The severity of the burning sensation can vary and depends on the severity of the condition.
- Pain
Along with the burning sensation, pain appears when urinating.Sometimes it is very difficult to distinguish between a burning sensation and pain;they merge with each other.Sometimes, pain and discomfort in the pelvic area may persist even in the pelvic organs.
- Increase in temperature
With cystitis, body temperature rarely reaches high levels (up to 37.5°C) and often remains completely normal.
- Changes in urine
Urine may have a distinct, unpleasant odor.In some cases, various impurities can be found there: sediment or blood in urine, due to which it changes color, becomes dark.
Alarming symptoms
A number of symptoms require urgent medical attention.These include:
- Intense pain in the back and/or side, which may radiate to the groin.In combination with signs of cystitis, this may indicate urolithiasis and other signs.
- A significant increase in body temperature - above 38º C. An increase in temperature is a sign of serious inflammation.
- Nausea and vomiting.The appearance of such symptoms indicates serious poisoning, since it is a defensive reaction when the body tries to get rid of toxins.
- You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience frequent, painful urination that contains blood.You should be especially careful if symptoms appear after taking antibiotics.
Possible complications
Complications only develop if there is no treatment or if the doctor's recommendations are not followed.Complications include kidney damage.The infection can travel from the bladder to the kidneys and cause pyelonephritis.And it is a very serious disease that can lead to irreversible kidney damage and metabolic disorders.Children and the elderly, as well as pregnant women, are at risk of developing such complications.
How to prevent cystitis
When the first symptoms appear, you should take active treatment measures under the supervision of a doctor.To determine treatment tactics, you need to undergo an examination and determine the causes of inflammation.Collecting complaints, symptoms and suspected causes will help with this.
Since the cause of inflammation is most often bacteria, patients are prescribed antibiotics, as well as baths with anti-inflammatory solutions and other recommendations that will help quickly cope with inflammation.
In the future, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- Maintain drinking regime.
This is the main rule that must be especially strictly observed.
- Go to the toilet at the first urge.
If you feel the need to urinate, you should immediately go to the toilet;it is strictly forbidden to support it.Moreover, this rule must be respected outside of cystitis.
- Respect the rules of personal hygiene.
When washing, the jet of water and hand movements should be directed from the pubis towards the anus.The same rule must be respected during all manipulations.When performing personal hygiene, it is not recommended to use hard brushes or scrub the area around the vagina and anus too intensely.
- Take a shower.
Unlike a bath, a shower allows water to flow and prevent the spread of infections.
- Empty your bladder.
You should go to the bathroom and empty your bladder before and after sex.A popular book describes the situation: with a full bladder, the body is brighter and stronger.In fact, this is not true, the only desire is to go to the toilet faster and it will not take long for the symptoms of cystitis to appear.