Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, the organ that stores urine. The reason women have a higher incidence of cystitis than men is because women have a shorter urethra than men and the distance between the urethra and the anus is close, so bacteria can easily enter the bladder. In addition, the ability of intestinal bacteria to multiply in the perineum and at the entrance to the vagina is another reason why cystitis is more common in women. It is known that about 30% of all women will experience cystitis at least once in their lifetime. Cystitis, which is largely divided into acute and chronic, occurs depending on the toxicity of the bacteria itself, the individual’s resistance to bacteria, and the anatomical and functional status of the urinary tract. More than 80% of the causative bacteria are Escherichia coli, and other staphylococcus, capsuccinic bacilli, strains, and enterococci also act as causes of acute cystitis. The causative agent of chronic cystitis is often the same as in acute cases. In addition, severe stress, overwork, menstrual cycle, and eating habits that consume too much stimulant food also affect the occurrence of cystitis. Now, let’s learn about the main symptoms, treatment, and prevention of cystitis, which occurs frequently in women.
The main symptoms of cystitis in women
The main symptom of cystitis in women is frequent urination, a desire to urinate several times a day. In addition, various symptoms may occur, such as a feeling of residual urine that feels like urine is left after urinating, and dysuria that causes pain during urination. In addition, various symptoms such as urgency, a sudden unbearable urge to urinate, hematuria mixed with blood, and turbid urine, which are cloudy in color, may also occur together. Although various symptoms of female cystitis appear, if left untreated at an early stage, it can lead to chronicity and damage to surrounding tissues of the kidneys. In addition, if the bacteria multiply to the kidneys, it can cause complications such as acute pyelonephritis. Most cases of mild cystitis resolve spontaneously, but if the above-mentioned symptoms persist, visit the hospital to accurately diagnose the current condition through various tests such as urine test and urine culture test, and You need to be treated with antibiotics.
How to prevent and manage cystitis in women
1. Water intake
Drinking water can help prevent cystitis because it flushes bacteria out of the body. Therefore, it is recommended to drink enough water about 6-8 glasses a day. On the other hand, excessive consumption of caffeine-containing coffee and beverages causes the body to lose water more quickly, so it is recommended to control the intake and reduce excessive intake of carbonated drinks and alcohol, which stimulate the bladder.
2. Moderate rest
When overwork and stress continue, the body’s immune function decreases and acts as a risk factor for the development of cystitis, so it is recommended to take sufficient rest and stability to prevent fatigue. In addition, it is important to make a habit of eating a balanced diet and having a regular rhythm of sleep because it also plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system.
3. Controlling stimulant food intake
Eating too much spicy and salty foods can be a factor that stimulates the bladder, so it is recommended to control the intake. In addition to not holding urine for too long, it is also recommended to reduce the use of tight-fitting bottoms and underwear as much as possible. Also, having a habit of washing from front to back when washing the perineum and anus after defecation or urination is also known to play an important role in preventing cystitis.