Diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems. In Georgia 113,000 people a year suffer from these types of diseases, one of which is cystitis, which is most common in the cold season – in winter.

Diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems. In Georgia 113,000 people a year suffer from these types of diseases, one of which is cystitis, which is most common in the cold season – in winter.

What is cystitis

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, which in most cases is caused by bacteria.

Cystitis is most common in women, but it can also occur in men.

Causes of cystitis

Most often, cystitis is caused by bacterial infections. Less often, the cause may be taking certain medications, long-term use of urinary catheters, and even psychosomatics (for example, anxiety or stress). In some cases, bladder inflammation develops as a complication of other diseases.

The bacteria can enter the body:

• during sexual intercourse,
• with insufficient hygiene and reduced immunity.

Additional risk factors:

• reduced immunity (for example, due to HIV);
• treatment for cancer;
• taking hormonal contraceptives;
• pregnancy;
• menopause.

Symptoms of cystitis

Possible signs of cystitis:

• frequent urge to urinate;
• urination in small portions;
• burning during urination;
• blood in the urine (hematuria);
• turbidity and strong odor of urine;
• pressure, pain in the lower abdomen;
• slight increase in temperature.

Stages of cystitis development

Initial. Signs of inflammation are weakly expressed, there is a frequent urge to urinate, pressure in the lower abdomen, urination is accompanied by unpleasant sensations, burning.

Late. Characterized by an increase in symptoms. Urination is painful, accompanied by the release of blood.

Also, urinary tract infections are divided into an active stage and a remission stage.

Treatment of cystitis

Antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial cystitis.

For interstitial cystitis, medications and physical therapy procedures are prescribed to relieve symptoms.

For cystitis that occurs during treatment of other diseases (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, long-term use of a urinary catheter), painkillers and rinsing are indicated.

To relieve symptoms, warm sitz baths, plenty of fluids, and diet are indicated.

Diet for cystitis

Proper nutrition for cystitis can significantly alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery.

With cystitis, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and exclude drinks and foods that lead to dehydration or provoke swelling – coffee, alcoholic beverages, foods with a high salt content.

Citrus juices and spicy foods can irritate the bladder, they should be avoided during an exacerbation of cystitis.

To reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, cranberry juices (or cranberry-based preparations) are recommended.

Prevention

Prevention of cystitis in women:

• maintaining intimate hygiene;
• timely treatment of sexually transmitted infections;
• careful use of cosmetics;
• careful use of spermicides, lubricants, condoms and other products that can cause an allergic reaction;
• correction of anatomical abnormalities that can lead to recurrent inflammation;
• urination after sexual intercourse;
• in pregnant women – regular laboratory tests to exclude asymptomatic infection.

Prevention of cystitis in men:

• timely treatment of sexually transmitted infections;
• timely treatment of prostate inflammation;
• hygiene of sexual life;
• urination after sexual intercourse.