A bladder infection mainly worries women. And he can torment them with his returns. But once you find out the cause of the disease and apply the right treatment, it will finally go away forever.

The most common cause of lower inflammationurinary tract( urethraandbladder ) are bacterial infections. Intestinal bacteria are in the lead, especially Escherichia coli (others, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, less likely to cause infection) living in the large intestine. Other microorganisms are also responsible for the development of the disease, e.g. chlamydia, mycoplasmas, as well as viruses and fungi (yeasts, especially Candida albicans). Infection can be caused both by our own microorganisms that have settled in intimate places, and by uninvited guests from outside. They attack at times of decreased immunity caused by disease, stress, fatigue or cooling down of the lower body parts.

Cystitis - first symptoms: it stings and hurts

Inflammation of the lower urinary tract gives very intense symptoms - stinging, burning, pain when urinating, pain in the lower abdomen between visits to the toilet. Urgency is also typical, i.e. feeling the need to urinate, even though the amount is negligible. Additionally, an increase in body temperature may occur (up to 37-38 ° C). These symptoms must not be ignored, because inflammation of the lower urinary tract can spread to the kidneys and cause irreversible damage to them. The symptoms of kidney infection are similar, but are accompanied by back pain in the lumbar region and a high fever (38-40 ° C).

Important - if after one day there is no improvement, see a doctor

In the first phase of the disease, we can try to help ourselves (see box). If we don't feel better after a day, let's see a doctor the next day. He will certainly order a general urine analysis and urine culture with an antibiogram that will identify the microorganisms responsible for the infection and select the appropriate drug. But the doctor will not wait for the results of these tests, but will immediately prescribe a quinolone antibiotic. In uncomplicated inflammation of the urinary tract (without fever), it is usually effective and provides quick relief for the patient. When the symptoms are not too severe, Furagine is also used, which - although it does not kill bacteria - inhibits their growth. Treatment can be adjusted independing on the results of urine culture with antibiogram. This examination should be repeated after the end of therapy to make sure that there is no sign of inflammation.

Cystitis - the disease must be cured until the end

The first doses of the antibiotic eliminate the symptoms, but the treatment should not be interrupted (usually it lasts 5-7 days). If the infection is not treated, some bacteria survive and mutate. Then they become insensitive to the previously used drug.

Urinary tract infection likes to keep coming back

The cause of recurrent cystitis may be mutual contagion between partners. A woman is usually treated, because she usually suffers from ailments (due to the anatomical structure, it is easier for women to get urinary tract infection). However, the treatments have no effect as he re-infects himself from his partner during sex. Therefore, in the case of recurrent bladder infections, both partners should be absolutely examined (the man not only urinates for culture, he should also examine his semen). It happens, however, that the causes of the problem are more serious. It may be the result of structural defects or diseases of the urinary system, as well as urination disorders. In order to confirm or exclude them, first of all, ultrasound examination and voiding cystography (X-ray with contrast) are performed. If the urologist finds something disturbing, diagnostics is extended to include endoscopic and urodynamic examinations.

Boosting immunity prevents relapse

According to urologists, after the first cystitis, some may become prone to this disease. That is why prophylactic measures are important - regular emptying of the bladder, acidifying the urine, drinking plenty of fluids, including herbal teas with diuretic and disinfecting properties (e.g. nettle, parsley, horsetail). You should also avoid cooling down the lower body. However, vaccines that increase immunity are of the greatest importance in preventing relapse. Immunoglobulins A, antibodies that fight bacteria, are found in the mucosa of the lower urinary tract. This natural protection (especially of the urethra) can be enhanced with the E. coli Uro-Vaxom vaccine. It stimulates the production of antibodies. It is administered orally, in the form of capsules, for at least 90 days. The body's defense mechanisms are also triggered by the autovaccines. They are produced individually for each patient from his own bacteria. They contain a properly composed cocktail of antigens (characteristic microbial fragments), which stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against the patient's own bacteria. Autovaccines are given orally or by injection.¨

You must do it

It brings relief

  1. Drink a lot to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract. Low-mineralized water without calcium is best.
  2. Reach over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain reliever medication, e.g. with ibuprofen, paracetamol.
  3. Prepare a dinner party. The heat relaxes the urinary tract, which soothes burning and pain. In addition, local tissue congestion stimulates the immune system to fight the infection. It is worth adding to the water an infusion of herbs that have a disinfecting and anti-inflammatory effect (e.g. sage, chamomile).
  4. Take a herbal medicine with a diuretic and slightly bactericidal effect (e.g. Urosan, Urogran, Urosept).
  5. Take advantage of the healing properties of cranberries. It prevents E. coli bacteria from attaching to mucous membranes, making them easy to flush out of the urinary tract. Cranberry also increases the strength of special proteins found on the mucous membranes of the urethra and the bladder, which have an effect similar to immunoglobulin A. Therefore, it strengthens the body's natural immunity.
  6. In an acidic environment, bacteria develop poorly, so to acidify the urine, eat foods rich in vitamin C (pepper, parsley, kiwi), drink fruit juices.

Help from the pharmacy

  • UroFuraginum, a preparation containing furagin, approx. PLN 18/30 tablets.
  • Horsetail Fix, horsetail herb with diuretic properties, approx. 5 PLN / 30 sachets.
  • ProUro, capsules with a highly concentrated cranberry extract and vitamin C, approx. PLN 17/15 capsules.
  • Furoxin, tablets with cranberry and nettle extracts, approx. PLN 20 // 30 tablets.
  • Urosept, herbal tablets used as an aid in urinary tract infections, approx. PLN 17/60 tablets.

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Urology and Nephrology