Cystitis. Causes, symptoms, treatment

In most cases, the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection.

However, in 50% of cases cystitis is unrelated to a bacterial infection and can occur as a result of sexual intercourse, irritable bladder, anxiety or chemical sensitivity to soaps, for example. The most affected by cystitis are usually women, with an estimated ½ of women having at least one episode of cystitis in their lifetime.

Causes of cystitis

The urinary system is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. All those listed above play the function of eliminating waste from our body. The kidneys regulate the concentration of many substances and remove waste from the body. The ureters are tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, which in turn is a reservoir for storing urine. Urine is stored in the bladder until it leaves the body through the urethra.

If cystitis develops, the urinary system cannot perform its functions. If the causative agent of cystitis is a bacterial infection, the bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply.

Cystitis can also occur in response to certain medications, although these are rarer. Other causes are poor hygiene, irritants, radiotherapy, long-term catheter use, spermicidal jellies.

Risk factors for cystitis

Some people are more prone to develop recurrent urinary tract infections or bladder infections. One such group is women. Physical anatomy in women is the main reason. Having a shorter urethra, the bladder in women is attacked by bacteria much faster.

But the highest risk of cystitis is for sexually active women, menopausal women and pregnant women.

Other risk factors in both women and men for cystitis include:

• Immune system changes;
• Interference with urine flow;
• Prolonged use of bladder catheters.

Cystitis symptoms

Cystitis may have the following clinical manifestations:

• Itching when urinating;
• need to urinate frequently;
• cloudy urine;
• urge to urinate even after the bladder has been emptied;
• foul-smelling urine;
• fever (not very high);
• painful urination;
• pain during sexual intercourse;
• presence of blood in the urine;
• feeling of pressure in the bladder;
• back pain.

Cystitis in children may include the following symptoms:

• tiredness;
• fever;
• weakness;
• irritability;
• pain;
• nausea and vomiting.
• lack of appetite;

Also if the child (we are talking about young children) accidentally wets the bed during the night, it can still be a sign of cystitis.

It is quite important that manifestations of cystitis are treated and taken seriously, otherwise the infection can ascend to the kidneys and create serious health problems.

Damage to the kidneys from a bacterial infection can manifest as:

• vomiting;
• nausea;
• chills;
• backache;
• fever;
• presence of blood in the urine.

Diagnosis of cystitis

There are several ways to help us diagnose cystitis:

• Clinical assessment of the patient and their symptoms;
• urinalysis - to check and confirm the etiology of the infection. This analysis can determine the presence of bacteria, pus or blood in the urine;
• cystoscopy - inspection of the bladder by a medical specialist using a thin tube with attached light and camera. Cystoscopy is also used to biopsy the bladder if necessary. The biopsy is a small piece of tissue that can be subjected to further dignostic tests;
• imaging tests - ultrasound or X-ray help to rule out other causes of cystitis, such as a tumor or other structural problem.

Cystitis treatment

We distinguish several types of treatment for cystitis.

Preventive and hygienic-dietary treatment:

• Toileting the intimate area from the front to the back;
• avoid using cosmetics in the intimate area;
• complete emptying of the bladder;
• rigorous hygiene of the genitals with pH neutral soaps;
• drinking as much fluid as possible (at least 2 liters per day) - this will result in emptying the bladder more often, preventing urine from concentrating and ensuring that bacteria is flushed from the bladder;
• urination after sexual intercourse is a preventive measure;
• avoid constipation (healthy diet - high in fiber);
• underwear made of natural materials.

Drug treatment

You can start treatment with herbal medication, which have a powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial effect. For example, you can take Uro-gen Forte, which is a natural product that effectively fights urinary tract disorders.

Uro-gen Forte, 30 capsules, Rotta Natura

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7.50 €

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For the treatment of cystitis in women, cystitis eggs can help, which are of natural origin and have a protective, soothing and rebalancing effect. You can use Ginexid, which helps prevent and reduce vaginal dysbiosis.

Vaginal Ovules Ginexid clx, 10 pieces, Farma-Derma

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Sodium bicarbonate for cystitis is a quick remedy that can be administered under home conditions at the onset of the first symptoms. To do this, dissolve 0.5 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate in 250 ml of warm boiling water and drink slowly. This remedy can also be used for cystitis in pregnancy

You can also take the following medicines for cystitis:

• Anti-inflammatory and analgesics: Reuprofen, Paracetamol;
• Antispasmodics;
• Antibiotics for cystitis, if it is infectious cystitis.

Treatment with antibiotics should be administered only on the recommendation of the specialist doctor, without self-medication.According to the instructions, such treatment can last between 3-14 days. In such a case to maintain the balance and health of the urinary tract flora you can take Urobiotic.

Paracetamol 500 mg, 20 tablets, Terapia

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Reuprofen 400 mg, 10 tablets, Helcor

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2.80 €

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Urobiotic, 20 capsules, Sanience

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8.70 €

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Surgical treatment

Surgery is used if it is necessary to repair a structural problem.

Complications of cystitis

Cystitis does not lead to complications when treated in time and correctly.

However, if cystitis is not treated properly and on time, then the condition can evaluate and worsen.

Complications are:

• Hematuria - the presence of blood in the urine. It may resolve with treatment;
• Kidney infection - untreated bladder infection leads to a kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis. This disease can lead to irreversible kidney changes. The symptoms of pyelonephritis are often mistaken for other conditions.

Prevention of cystitis

Women can use various methods to decrease the risk of recurrent bladder infection. But more research is being done.

Doctors do make some recommendations, although measures to prevent cystitis are not studied enough:

• Urinate frequently;
• Drink plenty of fluids daily, especially water;
• Wipe from back to front to prevent bacteria from the anal area from entering the vagina and urethra;
• Wash the vagina and anus region daily;
• Empty the bladder immediately after intercourse;
• Shower rather than bathe;
• Avoid using scented or irritating hygiene products;