Women are most often affected by cystitis. The disease is an inflammation of the urinary bladder (vesica urinaria), so it is also called cystitis. The technical term is cystitis or cystitis. Cystitis belongs to the group of urinary tract infections, which also includes inflammation of the ureters and kidneys. With the right treatment, cystitis is short-lived in most cases. By which symptoms you can recognize a bladder infection and how a treatment can succeed even without antibiotics, you will learn here.
What are the causes of cystitis?
Cystitis is usually caused by bacteria, and less commonly by viruses, fungi or parasites. The most common pathogens include intestinal bacteria such as Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli bacteria), which are a normal part of the intestinal flora but can cause inflammation in the bladder. Bacteria of the normal skin flora, for example staphylococci, and chlamydia, which can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, are also among the possible causes of cystitis. Normally, the urinary bladder is free of pathogens. However, in the case of cystitis, germs migrate via the urethra into the bladder and multiply there. The penetration of the bacteria is favored by cold and wetness, for example in the swimming pool when wearing wet swimwear – one has “cooled the bladder”. In addition, other risk factors can promote the development of cystitis:
- Immunocompromised people, for example, by the sugar metabolism disorder diabetes mellitus, are particularly susceptible to urinary tract infections.
- If there is a urinary stasis, that is, an outflow obstruction of urine, which thus collects in the urinary tract, this environment is optimal for the multiplication of urinary tract germs. This affects especially older men with an enlarged prostate gland (prostate).
- Bladder catheters, which are often used, especially in hospitals, are also a possible cause of cystitis.
In rare cases, the cause of cystitis can not be determined because there are no germs as a trigger. This is called interstitial cystitis. In addition, cystitis can also occur in rare cases as a result of radiation in the pelvic area (radiation cystitis) or as a side effect of certain drugs (such as with the cytostatic drug cyclophoshamide, which is used for cancer therapy, among other things). Another possible trigger is schistosomiasis (bilharzia), a worm disease that can occur as a result of tropical travel.
Is cystitis contagious?
Typically, cystitis is not contagious. However, if it is triggered by an infection with contagious pathogens, for example a chlamydia infection, there is a risk of infection with these pathogens, which in turn can trigger cystitis.
Women more often affected by cystitis
The fact that women in particular are affected by cystitis is related to the length of their urethra, because compared to a man’s urethra, a woman’s is very short. Pathogens can thus penetrate more quickly and reach the bladder. This is also favored by the anatomical proximity between the anus and the vagina, which allows bacteria to enter the urethra during the toilet, for example. Another common cause of cystitis in women is mucosal injury and mechanical irritation of the genital region during sexual intercourse. Due to the simultaneous change in the vaginal environment during coitus, vaginal pathogens can multiply on the pre-damaged mucosa and enter the bladder more easily. In addition, a so-called smear infection from the anal to the genital region can also occur during sexual intercourse. This is also referred to as “honeymoon disease” (honeymoondisease). The risk of urinary bladder infection is also increased during pregnancy and menopause, as hormonal changes alter the pH level in the vagina and the urinary tract dilates during pregnancy.
Bladder infection in men: usually a special case
Since men are rather rarely affected by cystitis, they should always consult a doctor, for example a urologist, in case of a urinary tract infection.This is because in many cases the infection in them is favored by other factors, for example diseases or malformations such as a urethral stenosis, bladder stones or an enlargement of the prostate. Click here for more information about cystitis in men. What is your risk for a urinary tract infection?
Symptoms of bladder infection
A bladder infection manifests itself through typical signs by which a bladder infection can usually be quickly recognized:
- Common symptoms include pain and burning during urination. The pain can radiate throughout the lower abdomen.
- Frequent urination with small amounts of urine is also typical.
- In addition, a foul-smelling discharge may be added and the urine may take on a cloudy color.
In more severe urinary tract infections, the body reacts with fever, chills and a general feeling of illness. If the pathogens rise from the bladder via the ureter to the kidney region, a painful inflammation of the renal pelvis (pyelonephritis) can develop. This is noticeable by signs such as severe flank pain with cramping of the back muscles (back pain) and sometimes blood in the urine. In this case, it is essential to consult a doctor. If blood is noticeable in the urine as part of a bladder infection, it is called hemorrhagic cystitis.
Medical tests for suspected cystitis
In most cases, a doctor can make a diagnosis of cystitis just by asking a few specific questions and performing a clinical examination. It is also possible to detect a urinary tract infection with the help of a urine test and, if necessary, a blood test. A quick, but not one hundred percent reliable test to detect cystitis is the strip test. A test strip is dipped into a urine sample. On the basis of the test fields on the strip and the evaluation of the respective color change, the physician receives relatively quick indications of an inflammation of the urinary tract and of blood, sugar molecules or bile pigments in the urine. This urine test is usually the first step in diagnosing cystitis, but it can also give false results if, for example, other diseases are present. Urine cultures are more reliable, but you usually have to wait a few days for the results. They also make it possible to determine the specific pathogen so that the doctor can select the appropriate antibiotic for targeted treatment. A blood test is used to determine the number of white blood cells and other inflammatory values. To examine the kidneys and bladder directly, the doctor may also perform an ultrasound.
What to do in acute cystitis 5 tips!
What helps with cystitis? To treat cystitis, some general measures are often already suitable:
- You should drink plenty of fluids to flush the germs out of the urinary tract. For an otherwise healthy adult, a drinking amount of at least two liters daily is recommended.
- Cranberry juice is said to help particularly well, although studies have not been able to confirm this. Since it is rich in iron and vitamin C, its consumption is at least worth a try.
- Also quite a few bladder and kidney teas (for example, from the pharmacy or drugstore) show good effectiveness due to the herbs they contain: bearberry leaves, birch leaves, nettle leaves and horsetail have been used for centuries against the symptoms of cystitis. Sandalwood and juniper can also help with cystitis.
- Heat from the outside, for example, by a warm sitz bath, a cherry pit bag or a simple hot water bottle, also does the stomach good and relaxes the muscles.
- The sugar D-mannose, available in capsules, has shown good effectiveness in studies. It can bind to the bacteria in the bladder, helping to remove them from the body. Therefore, it is also suitable for the prevention of cystitis.
Normally, a bladder infection should be over with the help of these simple home remedies after a few days. If you do not get the symptoms in this way under control, you should contact a doctor who can prescribe appropriate medication. 10 home remedies for cystitis
Therapy of acute cystitis
If the described general measures have not helped, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.There are preparations that must be taken several times a day for several days or others that are administered as a single dose in a high dose. Antibiotics that are frequently prescribed for cystitis are cotrimoxazole (for example, under the trade name Cotrim) or fosfomycin (for example, under the trade name Monuril). Ciprofloxacin used to be frequently prescribed for urinary tract infections, but is now no longer prescribed for the treatment of cystitis due to increasing resistance and sometimes severe side effects. If cystitis caused by fungi is suspected, antifungal agents (antimycotics) can be administered. In addition to antibiotics, pain medication may also be necessary. In addition, there are also many homeopathic and herbal remedies to help support symptoms of cystitis. Talk to your doctor about which preparation is suitable for you. If complicated cystitis is suspected, further diagnostic and therapeutic measures must be taken. 5 Facts about cystitis – iStock.com/Jobalou
Complicated cystitis
One speaks of complicated cystitis when, in addition to the urinary tract infection, special diseases, malformations or risk factors are present. These include, for example, diabetes mellitus, narrowing of the urinary tract, or impaired kidney function. Especially in pregnant women, children and men complicated courses are more common, because they usually do not get sick with cystitis, respectively, because they are particularly at risk of developing the complicated form.
Possible complications of cystitis
Local inflammation of the urinary bladder can, in rare cases, lead to blood poisoning (urosepsis). This is especially the case in elderly and immunocompromised patients. Dysfunction of the kidneys up to their complete failure is also possible in the case of an advanced, complicated urinary tract infection. Special caution is required for pregnant women. They have an increased risk of premature birth or miscarriage. Pregnant women should therefore consult a doctor if they experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Treatment – incidentally, just as in children – is usually with penicillins or cephalosporins.
Recurrent bladder infections
Another problem is recurrent urinary tract infections (recurrent cystitis). People often get cystitis again in rapid succession. Chronic cystitis is considered to be present when these recurrent bladder infections occur more than twice every six months or three times in the course of a year. In some cases, the symptoms subside in between; in other cases, those affected suffer from the symptoms constantly. Usually then only a therapy with antibiotics helps – the visit to a doctor is therefore highly recommended.
How long does cystitis last?
In many cases, the above tips for treating cystitis are sufficient. Even without antibiotics, cystitis then usually heals within a few days to weeks. However, if there is no improvement after a period of two to three days, it is advisable to consult a doctor. If the prescribed antibiotics are taken as prescribed by the doctor, the cystitis usually disappears after a few days. At the same time, symptoms can sometimes persist for several days after the pathogens have been killed.
How can you prevent cystitis?
You can reduce the risk of bladder infection by following some hygiene measures. For example, because of the anatomical proximity of the anus and urethra – and the associated risk of spreading intestinal germs – women should be careful to wipe away from the urethra and vagina after defecation. Prompt urination after sexual intercourse also prevents the spread of bacteria. However, excessive genital hygiene, for example by using intimate lotions, sprays and rinses, is not advisable, as this disturbs the natural bacterial flora and promotes infections. If you are prone to urinary bladder infections, you should take special care to keep the kidney and bladder region warm in winter. In this way, the classic “chill” can be prevented. Warm feet are also important. In summer, it is advisable to change into wet bathing clothes after bathing.Finally, at the first signs of urinary bladder infection, for example a slight burning sensation when urinating, you should immediately drink plenty of fluids. This allows you to flush out the germs frequently before they multiply.
Vaccination against cystitis
Anyone suffering from recurrent cystitis as a result of intestinal bacteria should talk to their doctor about vaccination. This is an immune stimulation in which the body is brought into contact with intestinal bacteria in order to train the appropriate defense reactions. Vaccination does not provide complete protection against cystitis, but it can at least reduce the risk of cystitis. Immunization can be done by injections or capsules. The injections are administered three times and must be refreshed after one year. However, their effectiveness is not considered fully researched. The capsules contain killed E. coli bacteria and must be taken daily for several months. A booster is only required for this again after five years. Studies suggest that this form of vaccination has fairly good efficacy.
10 Facts about cystitis
Below, we have summarized the most important facts about cystitis for you:
- Women get sick more often than men because of their anatomy.
- Burning during urination is the central symptom.
- The most important measure against cystitis is to drink a lot and thus flush the bladder.
- Herbal teas, D-mannose and cranberry juice seem to be the most effective.
- Local heat relieves discomfort.
- Signs of severe cystitis are blood in the urine, a strong feeling of illness or flank pain.
- Susceptible to complicated cystitis are children, pregnant women and older people over 60 years.
- For prolonged cystitis, an antibiotic can be taken.
- Preventive measures are adequate drinking, proper genital hygiene and timely urination after sexual intercourse.
- Rapidly recurring bladder infections occur frequently.
