Going to the toilet became more frequent but less efficient: only a little urine was squeezed out, sometimes mixed with blood.Pain during and after urination.Sometimes there is persistent pain above the pubic bone.All of these are symptoms of cystitis, a condition that most commonly affects women.Although cystitis is not life-threatening, it can ruin a patient's days.
The purpose of this article is to tell you how to treat cystitis at home and how to deal with this disease as quickly as possible.
What is cystitis?
Cystitis is an infectious disease.But its pathogens live inside our own bodies.In 85-95% of cases, the cause of UTIs is E. coli, a common intestinal bacteria.Another typical pathogen is Staphylococcus saprophyticus, which is a representative of the skin microbiota.They enter the bladder via an ascending path: from the skin or from the rectum through the urethra.
How to prevent cystitis?
Anatomical characteristics (larger bladder volume and shorter urethra) determine the prevalence of cystitis in women.
There's an obvious reason why women are more likely to develop cystitis - it has to do with anatomy.Women's urethras are much shorter than men's, and their bladders are larger, which means they empty less often.But the flow of urine is very effective at flushing away microorganisms that have penetrated the urinary tract.So, the first rule for women is: if you don’t want to get cystitis, go to the bathroom every 3-4 hours.
Another common cause of cystitis is microtrauma to the female urethra during sexual intercourse.So-called deflowering cystitis often ruins honeymoons.Advice for the man you love: Don’t forget about private hygiene.Tip for smart women: Emptying your bladder before and after sex can greatly reduce your risk of infection.
When should you see a doctor?
No woman is immune to isolated cases of cystitis.However, if difficulty urinating recurs, it's worth getting a full check-up.
Pregnancy is a particularly dangerous time.The function of the immune system and hormone levels change, and the growing uterus takes over the bladder, disrupting the flow of urine, which can lead to infection.At the same time, bacteriuria triples the risk of preterm birth - so cystitis during this period is not harmless.
If a man develops symptoms of this disease, he should immediately consult a specialist; cystitis in men is almost always secondary.The underlying cause may be prostate disease, diabetes, or urolithiasis.In addition, nongonococcal urethritis (the possible causative agents are chlamydia, mycoplasma, trichomonas) and bladder tuberculosis may also cause cystitis-like symptoms.
Your doctor will do urine and blood tests, microbiome cultures, and may recommend a bladder ultrasound and possibly a cystoscopy and a urethral smear.If tests show that cystitis is uncomplicated, you'll likely be able to deal with its symptoms on your own.
What should I do if I have cystitis?
- During an exacerbation of the condition, it is best to rest in bed, cover yourself with a warm blanket, and place a heating pad on your lower abdomen (if no blood is discharged in the urine, then we eliminate the heating pad).
- Drink as much as possible.Tea - Milk only, excluding coffee and beer.Cranberry, lingonberry and blueberry juice drinks are popular (the procyanide they contain prevents bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall), decoctions of oats, bearberries, birch sprouts are good, and if blood occurs, nettles.Herbal medicines are most effective in preparation form; pharmacies always carry them ready-made.
- The diet includes avoiding spices, canned foods and marinades, but dairy products, fruits (especially watermelon) and vegetables will be beneficial.
- You should not go to a bathhouse or sauna if you have cystitis, but washing with warm water and special intimate hygiene products will help reduce discomfort after urination.
- You can use suppositories containing papaverine - this often relieves pain.
However, antibacterial drugs are necessary to treat infections.
If cystitis recurs, or if the patient is older, or has diabetes, the course of treatment for a urinary tract infection should be longer - at least one week.
attention!Pregnant women are prescribed antibiotics by their doctors only after a check-up - which is safer for women and children.
What should you be wary of?
If left untreated, an infection from the bladder through the ureters may spread to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis.
If urination is frequent and painful, accompanied by lower back pain and fever, then the infection may have spread to the kidneys, and you cannot do without a doctor at this time.
Which doctor should I contact?
During your first episode of cystitis, you can talk to a therapist.If the disease relapses or has a chronic course, you should consult a urologist and always undergo a cystoscopy.