Cystitis

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder, the urinary bladder. Germs, which are usually transmitted from the urinary tract, travel into the bladder and begin to multiply in the bladder wall. More rarely, there may be spread to the bladder from infection elsewhere in the body.

What are the Symptoms

– Constant urge to urinate

– Burning sensation during urination

– Little and frequent urination

– Bloody urination

– Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

– Feeling of pressure and pain in the lower abdomen

– Fire

Why It Happens

The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, urinary ducts, bladder and urethra. They play an important role in removing waste products from the body. The kidneys are located in the upper back of the abdomen and look like a pair of beans. They filter waste matter from the blood. These filtered substances are transported through the urinary ducts to the bladder. Here they are stored until they are eliminated from the body. Urinary tract infections develop when germs that enter through the urethra multiply. Normally, the urinary tract system is designed to prevent the spread of germs. The bladder wall has a protective layer to prevent bacteria from attaching. Urine also has antibacterial properties to prevent bacterial growth. In some cases, however, bacteria can get in and multiply.

Honeymoon cystitis is the development of bladder inflammation after sexual intercourse. During sexual intercourse, bacteria enter the bladder through the urethra. But sometimes urinary tract infections can also occur in women who have not started sexual intercourse. Because there are already germs in the sexual area. There is usually a germ called Escherichia coli (E. coli). Sometimes there are causes of cystitis other than bacteria. Tuberculosis or fungal infections, radiation therapy in the bladder area and some medications can cause cystitis.

What are the Risk Factors

Some people develop cystitis more easily than others. Women belong to this group. Because they have an anatomically shorter urine outlet, they develop cystitis more often than men. Cystitis occurs in 20% of women throughout their lives. Cystitis is easier to develop in women who have sexual intercourse. Hormonal changes during pregnancy also facilitate the development of cystitis. Cystitis is easier to develop in cases that cause disorders in the immune system, such as diabetes. Structures such as stones that block urine flow facilitate the formation of cystitis. Prolonged urinary catheterization also facilitates the development of cystitis.

How to Diagnose

If you have symptoms suggestive of cystitis, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will ask you for a urinalysis and the urine will be tested for germs, blood and inflammation.

What It Can Lead To

If appropriate treatment is given immediately, cystitis does not cause any problems. However, if left untreated, they can lead to more serious conditions such as kidney infection or the spread of bacteria in the blood. Moreover, kidney infection can permanently impair kidney function.

How to Treat

Treatment is usually with antibiotics. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to certain antibiotics. A few days after you start taking the medicine, your symptoms will decrease. However, do not neglect to take your medicine until the end. This is important for the infection to disappear completely, even if your symptoms have gone away.

What to Do to Prevent

– Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.

– Go to the toilet often. Do not hold urine for a long time, use the toilet as soon as you need to.

– Gently clean your vagina and anus.

– Clean the toilet from front to back. This prevents germs from spreading from the anus to the place where you urinate.

– Take a shower instead of bathing in the bathtub.

– Try to empty your bladder after sexual intercourse.

– Do not use deodorant or other similar products on your genitals. Such products can cause irritation at the site of urine output.

What to do if you have cystitis

Cystitis can be painful. But there are things you can do until the antibiotics start to work. Placing something warm on your lower abdomen can reduce some of the pain and pressure. Drink plenty of water. Avoid coffee, alcohol, spicy and caffeinated drinks. These irritate your bladder and make you need to use the toilet more often and urgently. Sitting in a warm bath for 15-20 minutes can be relaxing. Tell your doctor if you suffer from cystitis frequently in this way. Measures should be taken to prevent recurrence.