Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, most commonly caused by infection.Symptoms of the disease are painful and interfere with normal quality of life.Additionally, 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?Immunologists answered this question.
causes of inflammation
The urinary system includes: kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra.The main purpose of this system is to filter the blood and remove metabolites and drugs from the body.Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, the cause of which can descend from the kidneys, that is, along a descending path, or conversely, ascend from the urethra.
There are sex differences in the structure of the urinary system.Consider that women have shorter and thicker urethras.The infection spreads to the bladder more easily and quickly, 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 intercourse.However, inflammation may be triggered by your own microbiome.
There are also non-infectious cystitis, which are of the following types:
- Interstitial
The exact cause of chronic inflammation is unknown.But statistically, it's more common in women.However, diagnosis and treatment are difficult due to the specific circumstances and lack of understanding of the causes of inflammation.
- drug
Taking certain medications may trigger inflammation.For example, chemotherapy drugs, because elimination of metabolites occurs through the kidneys and bladder.
- ray
Radiation therapy to pelvic organs used to treat cancer pathology may induce inflammation.Chemotherapy can increase complications, not only irritating the bladder wall but also reducing the function of the immune system.
- foreign body cystitis
Long-term catheterization can easily lead to bacterial cystitis and traumatic tissue damage, which only makes the situation more complicated.
- allergy
The effects of certain cosmetic products may trigger inflammation, such as bubble baths, cleansing gels, and some birth control pills (spermicidal creams).
- as a symptom of other illnesses
Sometimes cystitis can be a symptom or complication of other conditions, such as diabetes, urolithiasis, prostatitis, and prostate adenomas.
risk factors
Some people are more susceptible to bladder infections, such as women.But there are other risk factors:
- sexual intercourse
Hyperactive sexual intercourse or a full bladder can increase the likelihood of developing cystitis.
- using certain types of contraceptives
Using a diaphragm increases the likelihood of developing cystitis.Some types of barrier birth control pills contain spermicides, which can increase the likelihood of cystitis.
- Pregnant
In this case, hormonal changes, decreased immune function, and an enlarged uterus put pressure on the bladder, predisposing to inflammation.
- menopause
In this case, hormonal changes and dryness of the mucous membranes tend to trigger inflammation.
- urinary flow disorder
In men, cystitis occurs due to obstruction of the outflow of urine, which may occur along with urolithiasis or an enlarged prostate.It is important to note that cystitis rarely occurs in men without predisposing factors.
symptoms of cystitis
Symptoms of cystitis vary, depending on the form and cause of the inflammation.But you can still identify some common ones that develop in any form of inflammation:
- Frequent urination
This is the first early symptom of cystitis.Because the bladder wall is inflamed, even small amounts of urine can stimulate the receptors.As a result, frequent urges to urinate develop, but small amounts of urine are excreted.
- The feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
This can be explained by inflammatory processes and irritation of the bladder wall.In addition to frequent urination, it disrupts normal quality of life, interferes with daily activities, and may lead to increased irritation and mood swings.
- burning sensation when urinating
A noticeable burning sensation gradually develops during urination.Initially, at the end of the urethra, when urination begins, but after urination ends, the burning sensation spreads in waves to the bladder.The severity of the burning sensation may vary, depending on the severity of the disease.
- pain
In addition to the burning sensation, pain may occur during urination.Sometimes it's difficult to differentiate between burning sensation and pain; they blend into each other.Sometimes, pain and discomfort in the pelvic area may even persist in the pelvic organs.
- temperature rise
In cystitis, body temperature rarely rises to very high levels (up to 37.5°C) and usually remains completely normal.
- changes in urine
Urine may have an unpleasant, distinctive odor.In some cases, various impurities may be found in it: sediment or blood in the urine, so it changes color - turns black.
Alarming symptoms
There are many symptoms that require urgent medical attention.These include:
- Severe pain in the back and/or sides that may radiate to the groin.Combined with the signs of cystitis, this may indicate urolithiasis and other signs.
- Significant increase in body temperature - above 38°C.An elevated body temperature is a sign of severe inflammation.
- Nausea and vomiting.The presence of such symptoms is indicative of severe intoxication, as it is a defensive response as the body attempts to eliminate toxins.
- If you have frequent urination, painful urination, or blood in your urination, you should seek medical attention immediately.You need to be especially careful if you develop symptoms after taking antibiotics.
Possible complications
Complications can only occur if you don't treat it or follow your doctor's advice.Complications include kidney damage.The infection can rise from the bladder to the kidneys and cause pyelonephritis.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 for such complications.
How to prevent cystitis
When the first symptoms appear, aggressive treatment measures are required under the supervision of a doctor.In order to determine a treatment strategy, you will need to perform an examination and determine the cause of the inflammation.Collecting complaints, symptoms and suspected causes will help with this.
Considering that the most common cause of inflammation is bacteria, the patient is prescribed antibiotics, bathes with anti-inflammatory solutions and other recommendations to help quickly deal with inflammation.
Going forward, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- Maintain your drinking habit.
This is the main rule that must be observed particularly strictly.
- Go to the toilet whenever you feel the urge.
If you feel the urge to urinate, you should go to the toilet immediately; it is strictly forbidden to tolerate it.By the way, except for cystitis, this rule must be observed.
- Follow personal hygiene rules.
When cleaning, the water flow and hand movements should be directed from the pubic bone to the anus.The same rules must be followed during all operations.For personal hygiene, it is not recommended to use hard brushes or vigorously scrub the area around the vagina and anus.
- Take a bath.
Unlike bathing, showering drains water and prevents the spread of infection.
- Empty your bladder.
You should use the toilet and empty your bladder before and after sex.A popular book describes the condition: a full bladder and a brighter, stronger body.In fact, this is not true. My only wish is to go to the toilet quickly. It won’t be long before symptoms of cystitis appear.