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May 2, 2024
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Cystitis: Everything You Need to Know About Bladder Infection

Cystitis can affect men and even children, but in 90% of cases it reaches the female public, especially during pregnancy, menopause and / or the beginning of sexual activity.

Few people, however, really know why cystitis happens, why it is prevalent among women, what risks it poses, what its real symptoms are, and how it can be treated. Below you clarify these and all other doubts on the subject.

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is an inflammation / bladder infection. "It is usually caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and reach the bladder or the urinary bacterial flora itself, causing inflammation and symptoms," says José Antônio Longo, urologist at Albert Einstein Hospital.

The doctor points out that most infections occur only in the bladder. However, in some cases, they may spread to the kidneys, and this is what most professionals in the area fear, as the condition becomes more severe and can cause pyelonephritis and even septicemia (generalized infection).

Men, women and children are subject to the problem. But cystitis is much more prevalent in women (almost 90% of cases). "One of the reasons for this is that the woman's urethra is shorter than the man's, is in the female genitalia and close to the anus," says urologist Long.

It is noteworthy that there are two types of cystitis: acute cystitis, which can be more easily treated and does not tend to recur often; and chronic cystitis, which can occur 4 to 5 times a year or more, and requires longer treatment.

Causes of Cystitis

Women tend to have more bladder infections than men because they have a shorter urethra close to the anus. Thus, it can be said that the anatomical particularities of the female urinary tract itself are already one of the causes of the problem.

According to urologist José Longo, there are some phases in which it is quite common for cystitis to occur in a woman's life: at the beginning of sexual activity; during pregnancy and menopause. "Children may have anatomical abnormalities such as reflux of bladder urine into the kidney and should always be evaluated by a pediatrician," he adds.

• In sexual intercourse, vaginal flora changes. Woman gets semen etc. and the flora changes, which can cause germs to rise into the urethra and reach the bladder causing infection, explains the doctor.

• Already in pregnancy, there is the presence of more bacteria. In the case of pregnant women, cystitis is usually asymptomatic (without symptoms). That is why it is important to be aware that a more serious infection can even lead to miscarriage or premature birth ?, comments José Longo.

• In the case of menopause, hormonal decline occurs, tissues become more vulnerable and, in addition, age causes immunity to go down. All this makes the menopausal woman more prone to this type of infection ?, adds the urologist.

But other factors also increase the chances of developing cystitis, as Long urologist points out:

Is there any stone (stone, solid structure) in the urinary tract? This causes the flora of the urinary tract to change and leave more bacteria.
Existence of a vaginal discharge (vaginal discharge, fungus, bacteria etc.).
Presence of genital warts that alter vaginal flora (warts from HPV = acuminate condyloma).
Low immunity, which offers a higher risk of infections. Low immunity can occur, for example, due to stress, senility, infections, neoplasms, diseases such as diabetes, pneumonia, AIDS, cancer, chronic hepatitis, leukemia.
Low fluid consumption.
Dammed urine for a long time (as in the case of people who spend a long time without going to the toilet at work or on a trip), since the? contributes to the bacteria to develop.
Use of diapers (in the case of older women), which makes the region very hot and humid and may cause infection.

The main symptoms of the problem

José Longo explains that sometimes, in the case of women in their 70s or 80s, they have chronic recurrent infections but no symptoms. "There are other people who just notice, because they are quieter, without hunger, apathetic, pale, with low blood pressure, feeling cold exaggerated, sometimes only the odor of urine is different etc.", Comments.

But in general, the main symptoms that may occur, according to urologist, are:

Pain to urinate (dysuria)
Increased frequency of urination (polyuria)
Urgency to urinate
Willingness to urinate more often at night (nocturia)
Feeling of being all the time wanting to pee (tenesmo)
Discomfort in the pubic region (weight)
Bleeding in urine (haematuria)
Blurred urine (as with pus or talcum powder)
Fever
Different odor urine
Lower back pain (if the infection has reached the kidneys).

Know Treatments For Bladder Infection

José Longo explains that acute cystitis is treated with antibiotics and, depending on the case, with analgesics and antiseptics to more quickly relieve the pain and discomfort that cystitis is causing in the patient.

It is recommended that the person avoid sex for about a week (as the urethra is still injured). Also, drink plenty of fluids (as soon as that initial discomfort improves and she is able to urinate normally without pain) ?, the urologist adds.

Acute infection can be treated by any trained professional.

In cases of chronic recurrent infections (which occur 4, 5 or more times a year), the patient is necessarily referred to a urologist who will try to find out the cause of cystitis. It may be due to the presence of a pebble, urine reflux, diseases such as diabetes, a kidney tumor or cyst, etc. Anyway, the professional will investigate the case? Comments the urologist Longo.

But, it is noteworthy, chronic cystitis also has a cure. • In some cases antibiotics may be given in small doses for a certain period; One can also recommend the use of Vitamin C, which improves the patient's immunity, etc. ?, explains José Longo.

The doctor also points out that even some teas may help in the treatment of cystitis. ? Teas in general can help because they increase hydration and are diuretics, preventing the person to spend a long time without urinating ?, comments.

Another? Weapon? Important in treating and preventing cystitis is a little berry called Cranberry. "It has bactericidal action and also bladder healing action (because, it is worth noting, the bladder can take 3 to 6 months to fully heal after an infection)," explains José Longo, adding that it should be consumed in sachet or in capsule according to professional guidance and may be mixed in a glass of water, juice or tea.

Is it possible to prevent cystitis?

Below, urologist José Longo cites some important measures to try to prevent cystitis:

Improve immunity (through exercise, good nutrition, not stress);
In case of discharge, seek gynecologist to treat as soon as possible;
Control diabetes (in the case of people with the disease);
Drink plenty of fluids (an adult 60 to 70 pounds should drink 1 to 1 and a half liters of fluid a day);
Urinate every 3 hours;
Take care of personal hygiene (always keeping the vagina and anus regions clean);
Use mild soap (which does not cause irritation);
Avoid underwear that is too tight or that retains heat and moisture (as these facilitate the proliferation of bacteria);
Change pads or diapers (for older women) frequently to prevent bacterial proliferation.

Cystitis vs. Urinary Infection: What Are the Differences?

But after all, what is the difference between cystitis and urinary tract infection? This is a fairly common question, even among people who have had one of the problems.

Urologist José Longo explains that cystitis is an infection only in the bladder (or lower part of the urinary tract).

Urinary tract infection is a term that expresses an infectious condition that can occur anywhere in the urinary system, such as the kidneys, bladder, urethra and ureters (and not specifically / only in the bladder).

Now that you have answered all your cystitis questions, remember: If you have one or more of the infection-related symptoms, see a doctor to check the severity (or not) of the problem and treat it as soon as possible. After all, health is no joke!