Treatment of cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammatory disease that develops on the mucous membrane of the bladder. The main symptoms are frequent urination, lower abdominal pain, itching and burning in the groin.

Most often, the cause of the disease is an infection that enters the urethra and rises higher. A provoking factor can also be a long-term staying in the cool air, cold, severe allergic reaction, etc.

Cystitis affects mainly women. In men, it develops less often, since the male urethra is thinner and longer, which prevents the infection from quickly rising into the bladder.

TYPES OF CYSTITIS

Cystitis can run its course in different ways and have different causes of development. The treatment is also different in each particular case. Therefore, the disease can be classified according to several characteristics.

Depending on the severity of inflammation, cystitis is divided into:

• acute - manifested by strong symptoms;
• chronic - runs in a sluggish or latent form, with alternation of periods of remission and complications.

According to the cause of the disease, cystitis can be classified as:

• infectious (bacterial, viral, fungal);
• allergic;
• medical, etc.

Depending on whether cystitis is a complication, it is classified as:

• primary;
• secondary (complication).

symptoms of acute cystitis

With the development of acute inflammation, the patient's condition changes rapidly. The symptoms are pronounced and can be used to suggest a diagnosis.

Signs of acute cystitis are:

• repeated urination;
• feeling of fullness in the bladder;
• pain, burning sensation when urinating;
• lower abdominal pain;
• discoloration of urine, the appearance of sediment and blood drops;
• temperature increase;
• deterioration in general health.

The symptoms may be more or less pronounced, depending on the degree of inflammation. In some cases, the patient may be disturbed only by frequent urges to urinate and pain in the process of urinating. The temperature appears rarely, with a severe running of the disease and the development of complications.

SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC CYSTITIS

Chronic cystitis can occur in a sluggish or asymptomatic form, periodically causing exacerbations. At this time, the symptoms may worsen as in the acute form of the disease.

Signs of chronic cystitis may include:

• more frequent urge to urinate;
• discomfort, burning sensation when urinating;
• pain in the urethra;
• lower abdomen pain;
• change in the type of urine.

CAUSES OF CYSTITIS

The most common cause of cystitis is infection. It can enter the bladder through the urethra, as well as along with blood and lymph flow from any part of the body. The latter is most likely in diseases of the genitourinary system and kidneys.

Non-infectious inflammation can be caused by mucous membrane irritation due to certain medications, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, allergic reaction to intimate hygiene products, etc.

The risk of the disease increases under the influence of the following factors:

• chronic infections;
• inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and reproductive system;
• pathology of the prostate;
• hypothermia;
• compromised immunity;
• diabetes;
• excess weight;
• metabolic disorders;
• frequent urinary retention;
• inappropriate intimate hygiene;
• allergy to soap, gel, etc.;
• radiation therapy;
• long-term use of certain medications;
• chronic stress;
• frequent consumption of very spicy foods.

In women, cystitis in most cases is a primary disease, that is, it develops when an infection enters the urethra and bladder. In men, due to anatomical features, on the contrary, cystitis often occurs as a complication of prostatitis or other diseases of the genitourinary system.

DIAGNOSIS OF CYSTITIS

During the first consultation, the urologist collects the patient's complaints, finds out how long ago the symptoms appeared and examines the medical history (the presence of chronic diseases, previous infections, etc.). Based on this, the doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis, but usually further examination is needed to clarify it.

It includes:

• general urinalysis;
• sediment microscopy;
• general blood test;
• biochemical blood analysis.

Women are also advised to consult a gynecologist and be diagnosed for the presence of urogenital infections. Men, if necessary, are referred to a urologist and tested on the basis of smear and scraping from the urethra.

In severe cystitis, the following types of examination are sometimes used:

• bladder ultrasound;
• cystoscopy;
• CT scan of the abdominal organs.

These examinations make it possible to clarify the diagnosis and confirm or deny the presence of other pathologies.

METHODS OF TREATMENT OF ACUTE CYSTITIS

Treatment of acute cystitis is selected in accordance with its type. With a bacterial infection, antibiotics are prescribed, with a fungal infection - antimycotics, etc. Also, drugs are used to eliminate pain, burning and other symptoms of the disease.

In most cases, acute cystitis can be successfully treated with medication. Many patients feel much better the next day.

METHODS OF TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CYSTITIS

Treatment of chronic cystitis requires a comprehensive approach. First, we need to conduct thorough diagnostic procedures and make an accurate diagnosis, in the presence of an infection - to establish its type. For this purpose, the doctor may prescribe cystoscopy. After receiving the results of the examination, he develops a treatment program.

In case of chronic cystitis, the following methods are used:

• drug treatment;
• herbal medicine;
• physiotherapy procedures;
• special water-intake regime;
• dietary adjustment, etc.

PREVENTION OF CYSTITIS

To reduce the risk of developing cystitis and exacerbation of a chronic disease, it is recommended:

• adhere to the rules of intimate hygiene;
• avoid overflow of the bladder;
• avoid hypothermia;
• treat all diseases of the genitourinary system on time;
• drink 1.5-2 liters of water per day;
• go easy on spicy and salty foods (do not overeat);
• women should be examined annually by a gynecologist, and men by a urologist or andrologist.

COMPLICATIONS OF CYSTITIS

Cystitis is a fairly common disease, so many people try to cure it on their own. In most cases, this leads to the fact that the symptoms subside and the person gets better, but the inflammation remains and the cystitis becomes chronic over time.

Also, cystitis can cause such complications:

• paracystitis - the spread of inflammation to the fatty tissue that covers the bladder;
• urethritis - inflammation of the urethra;
• pyelonephritis - inflammation of the kidneys;
• spread of infection and inflammation to the organs of the reproductive system.

TREATMENT OF CYSTITIS IN THE «OXFORD MEDICAL» CLINIC

At the «Oxford Medical» Clinic, you can do all necessary tests, undergo instrumental studies and get an experienced urologist’s consultation. The doctor will make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. With the right therapy, the symptoms of acute cystitis can be reduced in just a day and the inflammation can be completely cured in a week or a little more. Treatment of chronic cystitis is more complex, but it can significantly improve well-being and reduce the risks of relapses and complications.

To make an appointment for a consultation with a urologist, call the «Oxford Medical» contact center or write to the chat on the website.