Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, which usually 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, most importantly, how to prevent it?An immunologist answered this question.
Causes of inflammation
The urinary system includes: kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.The main purpose of the system is to filter the blood and remove metabolic products and medications from the body.Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder and the cause can descend from the kidneys, that is, spread along the descending path or, on the contrary, ascend from the urethra.
There are gender differences in the structure of the urinary system.Taking into account that women have a shorter and thicker urethra.Infections spread more easily and quickly to the bladder, so women are at risk.In clinical practice, it is customary to distinguish several types of cystitis.
- Bacterial cystitis most commonly occurs when bacteria enter 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 relations.However, inflammation can be caused by your own microbiome.
There are also non-infectious cystitis, which have several types:
- interstitial
The exact cause of chronic inflammation is unclear.But statistically it is recorded more often in women.However, diagnosis and treatment are difficult due to the specific condition as well as a lack of understanding of the causes of inflammation.
- Drug
Inflammation can be triggered by taking certain medications.For example, chemotherapeutic agents, because the elimination of metabolic products occurs through the kidneys and bladder.
- Ray
Radiotherapy to the pelvic organs, prescribed for the treatment of oncological pathologies, can cause inflammation.Chemotherapy adds complications, which not only irritate the walls of the bladder, but also reduce the functioning of the immune system.
- Foreign body cystitis
Prolonged catheterization predisposes to the development of bacterial cystitis, as well as traumatic tissue damage, which only complicates the situation.
- Allergic
Inflammation can be provoked by the action of certain cosmetics, for example, bubble baths, washing gels, as well as some contraceptives (spermicidal creams).
- As a symptom of other diseases.
Cystitis can sometimes 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 relations
Excessively active sexual intercourse or with a full bladder increases the likelihood of developing cystitis.
- Use certain types of contraceptives
Using a diaphragm increases the chance of developing cystitis.Some types of barrier contraceptives that contain spermicidal agents increase the chance 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 dryness of the mucous membranes, predispose to inflammation.
- Urine flow disorders.
In men, cystitis develops due to impaired urine flow, which can occur with urolithiasis or an enlarged prostate.It should be noted that in men without predisposing factors, cystitis rarely develops.
Symptoms of cystitis
The symptoms of cystitis vary depending on the form and cause of the inflammation.But it is still possible to identify several of the most common ones that form in any form of inflammation:
- Frequent urination
This is the first and early sign of cystitis.Due to inflammation of the bladder walls, the receptors become irritated even with small amounts of urine.Because of this, a frequent urge to urinate is formed, but a small amount of urine is released.
- Feeling of a bladder that is not completely empty.
This can be explained by the inflammatory process and irritation of the bladder walls.Along with frequent urination, it disrupts normal quality of life, interferes with daily activities, and can lead to 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 upon completion, a burning sensation runs in a wave towards the bladder.The severity of the burning sensation can vary and depends on the severity of the disease.
- Pain
Along with the burning sensation, pain appears when urinating.Sometimes it is very difficult to distinguish between burning and pain;they merge with each other.Sometimes pain and discomfort in the pelvic area can persist even in the pelvic organs.
- Temperature increase
With cystitis, body temperature rarely rises to high levels (up to 37.5º C) and often remains completely normal.
- Changes in urine
Urine may have a distinctive, unpleasant odor.In some cases, various impurities can be found in it: sediment or blood in the urine, which is why it changes color and becomes dark.
Alarming symptoms
There are a number of symptoms that require urgent medical attention.These include:
- Intense pain in the back and/or side, which can radiate to the groin.In combination with signs of cystitis, this may indicate urolithiasis and other signs.
- A significant increase in body temperature, more than 38º C. An increase in temperature is a sign of serious inflammation.
- Nausea and vomiting.The appearance of such symptoms indicates serious poisoning, because it is a defensive reaction, as the body tries to get rid of toxins.
- You should immediately consult a doctor if you experience frequent and painful urination that contains blood.You should be especially careful if symptoms appear after taking antibiotics.
Possible complications
Complications develop only if there is no treatment or if the doctor's recommendations are not followed.Complications include kidney damage.The infection can ascend from the bladder to the kidneys and cause pyelonephritis.And this is a very serious disease that can cause irreversible kidney damage and metabolic disorders.Children and the elderly, as well as women during pregnancy, are at risk of developing these types of complications.
How to prevent cystitis
When the first symptoms appear, it is necessary to 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.To do this, it will be useful to collect complaints, symptoms and suspected causes.
Considering that the most common cause of inflammation is 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 follow the following rules:
- Maintain the drinking regimen.
This is the main rule that must be observed especially strictly.
- Go to the bathroom when necessary.
If you feel the urge to urinate, you should go to the bathroom immediately;it is strictly prohibited to endure it.By the way, this rule must be followed outside of cystitis.
- Observe personal hygiene rules.
When washing, the stream of water and hand movements should be directed from the pubis to the anus.The same rule must be followed during all manipulations.During personal hygiene, it is not recommended to use hard brushes or rub the area around the vagina and anus too intensely.
- Take a shower.
Unlike a bath, showering allows water to drain off and prevents the spread of infection.
- Empty your bladder.
You should go to the bathroom and empty your bladder before and after sexual intercourse.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 bathroom faster and the symptoms of cystitis will not take long to appear.