Treatment of cystitis with medications

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-12 17:37

Cystitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the bladder mucosa, most often as a result of a bacterial infection. Possible causes of inflammation are also viruses, fungi, parasites, prolonged use of certain drugs (mainly immunosuppressants), radiation, and others.

Causes of cystitis

Some of the most common factors that increase your risk of developing the disease are:

• female gender: due to the anatomical features of the urethra in women (shorter and wider than in men), the penetration of various pathogens is facilitated;
• pregnancy: an enlarged uterus compresses the bladder and urinary tract, which leads to urinary retention (especially in the second and third trimesters);
• low intimate hygiene;
• diabetes mellitus: the presence of glucose in the urine creates a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria;
• stress;
• reduced immune defense: as a result of congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, frequent illnesses, after the flu, while taking antibiotics and corticosteroids;
• kidney stone disease;
• menopause: a decrease in the level of female sex hormones weakens the body's defenses and makes it susceptible to such infections;
• with prostatic hypertrophy: men rarely develop cystitis, but if it is present, it is more often observed with complications of varying severity.

The disease is characterized by specific clinical manifestations, including frequent urge to urinate, painful urination in small portions, pain in the lower abdomen (near the pubic bone), burning and discomfort during urination, urge at night.

Clinical signs usually appear abruptly and significantly impair patient comfort.

How to treat cystitis quickly and effectively

Regardless of the form of the disease, treatment of cystitis is necessary, and it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the causes that led to this ailment.

Therapy for infectious cystitis focuses on the destruction of etiological agents (etiotropic treatment against the pathogen).

Drugs

The most commonly used antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents belong to the group of quinolones, sulfonamides, beta-lactam antibiotics, fosfomycin. The duration of the antibiotic course is determined individually for each patient, depending on the symptoms and etiological causes of the infection, most often within three to seven days.

Fluoroquinolones are synthetic chemotherapy drugs with an extremely broad spectrum of action and relatively low toxicity. They are bactericidal (kill bacteria), show excellent distribution in the body, and reach high concentrations in various organs and structures, including the prostate, kidneys and urine.

The main drugs used in urological diseases are norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, sparfloxacin, levofloxacin. They are used with increased caution in patients with severe renal impairment, in pregnant women and in childhood.

Sulfonamides are a group of chemotherapeutic agents with a bacteriostatic effect (suppress the multiplication of bacterial pathogens) and a broad spectrum of action. They are rarely used for urinary infections due to the high risk of adverse reactions.

These drugs penetrate the inflamed areas and interfere with the formation of folic acid, which is necessary for the multiplication of sensitive pathogens.

They are especially effective against infections caused by chlamydia, gonococci, streptococci, E. coli, but less active against pseudomonas. Often lead to gastrointestinal disorders, photosensitivity, skin rashes, nephrotoxicity, hematological disorders.

Beta-lactam antibiotics represent a large class of drugs; for cystitis, penicillins of a wide spectrum of action (for example, azlocillin) and cephalosporins, especially of the first (cephalexin, cefazolin) or second generation (cefuroxime, cefamandol), are mainly used.

They are administered parenterally for severe cystitis and developed complications, or orally for mild symptoms. They have a bactericidal effect, but are effective only against microorganisms that are sensitive to them, mainly positive when stained according to Gram. They are slightly toxic and rarely cause adverse reactions.

There are disposable powder preparations for dissolving in water containing fosfomycin. The drug is highly active and effective, but it is used with increased caution in patients with impaired renal function.

For optimal effect, it is recommended to consume on an empty stomach (or a few hours after a meal) after emptying the bladder, preferably in the evening before bedtime.

Formulations containing nitroxoline (usually in capsule form) are also suitable for the treatment of acute or chronic urinary tract infections, including cystitis. The standard dose is one capsule three times a day, and the duration of therapy is determined by the attending physician. Such drugs are also suitable for prophylaxis against the development of recurrent infections.

Antispasmodics relax the smooth muscles of the bladder and urinary tract, which facilitates the flow of urine. Medicines are used that contain some of the following antispasmodics:

1. Flavoxate.
2. Butylscopolamine.
3. Oxybutynin.
4. Drotaverinum.

They effectively relieve muscle spasms, and their effect is usually manifested within one hour after ingestion.

The use of antispasmodics is not recommended for prostatic hypertrophy, urinary incontinence, myasthenia gravis, paralytic ileus, active bleeding, renal and hepatic diseases.

Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen) are used to relieve pain, and anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) are used to counteract the developing inflammatory response.

Antispasmodics also relieve pain, but the main difference lies in the mechanism of action of the different groups.

Ibuprofen and its analogs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - actively fight pain, inflammation and fever (in severe infections, in addition to local manifestations in the bladder and urinary tract, systemic signs, such as an increase in body temperature, also develop).

Such preparations are also suitable for pregnant women, including those during lactation. Short-term courses of therapy (symptomatic relief of the condition) do not carry a serious risk of adverse reactions.

A number of herbal remedies are gaining more and more popularity in the fight against the symptoms of cystitis. Despite the fact that many data from clinical studies are contradictory, many people prefer to trust funds from nature, especially with mild manifestations of acute cystitis.

Some of the most popular, highly advertised and preferred by many women herbal remedies contain the following herbs:

• bear grapes: used for various diseases of the excretory system due to its disinfectant, diuretic and analgesic effect;
• lingonberry: prevents the retention of bacteria in the mucous membrane of the bladder, has a diuretic effect and helps to remove and wash out bacterial agents, has an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and diuretic effect;
• parsley: tones smooth muscles, helps to remove urine accumulation and is especially suitable for fluid retention and prostatic hypertrophy;
• horsetail: anti-inflammatory and helps to quickly heal wounds and ulcers in tissues.

It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids (two to three liters), mostly water or unsweetened tea, avoid coffee, carbonated drinks and alcohol. Diet and diet also have a significant impact on cystitis.

It is necessary to maintain good intimate hygiene, but not to overdo it, as too frequent use of soaps, intimate gels and disinfectants can have the opposite effect and disrupt the vaginal flora, which will subsequently greatly facilitate the penetration of bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms and affect the urethra and bladder.

Treatment of cystitis is necessary even in milder forms of the disease, mainly to prevent the development of complications of various severity (such as pyelonephritis), as well as a chronic process or frequent relapses of the disease.

To prevent the development of infection in patients at risk, prevention of colds, maintaining good hygiene, regular physical activity, proper nutrition, drinking enough fluids and the use of food supplements containing bromelain, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6 are recommended.

When the first symptoms of the disease appear, consult your doctor immediately, since timely diagnosis and treatment of this condition significantly reduces the risk of complications and consequences in the long term.