The impact of high doses of radiation on the bladder does not pass without a trace for the patient. To date, one of the most common complications of radiation therapy in oncological urology is radiation cystitis.
It often causes concomitant infectious complications in the form of infectious infections with various bacteria (Proteus, Klebsiella, enteroviruses). Most often this disease occurs in women who take intravaginal rays, but men are no exception.
Therefore, even at the stage of exposure to radiation, it is important to take measures to minimize the manifestation of this side effect. The development of this type of cystitis takes mostly a long time: from 2-5 weeks to several years.
What changes occur in the bladder
As you know, any kind of radiation aimed at treating oncology destroys not only atypical cells, but also he althy ones. Any mucous membrane is a weak point. The bladder is hypersensitive to suchtype of impact. First of all, the tissue structure is disturbed in the urinary tract. In connection with damage to microvessels, there is a deterioration in blood circulation in the irradiation zone. As a result of all this, erosions and ulcers occur.
The most dangerous and unfavorable is the direct effect of the rays directly on the area of the bladder. Post-radiation cystitis mainly appears in the treatment of tumors located in the pelvic organs. This is due to the fact that doctors are not always able to prevent rays from reaching the bladder directly due to the close location of the organs. When treating other parts of the body, this problem is overcome by covering such weak areas with various protective agents.
Cystitis after radiation therapy is divided into 2 subspecies: infectious and non-infectious. With this method of treating cancer, the likelihood of infection increases due to a decrease in overall immunity in humans. In addition, various pathogenic pathogens can enter the bladder both from above - from the kidneys, and from below.
Features of the course of the disease in men and women
It is worth noting that men are not so often exposed to cystitis. This is due to the fact that they have a long urinary canal, which prevents infections from entering from outside. The bactericidal substance secreted in men by the secreted periurethral gland provides reliable protection to the organ from the penetration of any pathogens. But, in the treatment of cancer, they often get this disease.
Treatment of radiation cystitis in women will be the same as in men. Untimely adoption of measures by a woman can lead to extremely adverse consequences: purulent focal inflammation occurs in the uterine cavity, appendages, which in turn leads to infertility.
A feature of radiation cystitis is that the disease occurs due to a violation of the natural environment in the bladder. The course of the disease will differ by gender. In men, this leads to the appearance of prostatitis and prostate adenoma, unfortunately, mostly in severe form.
Causes of disease
Structural changes in the tissues of the mucous membranes, a sharp decrease in the human immune system in the treatment of cancer with radiation lead to the appearance of this disease. The suppression of both local and general immunity leads to the activation of pathogenic microorganisms. A patient who undergoes a course of radiation therapy is repeatedly exposed to radiation, while the interval between sessions is short. In this regard, the affected tissues do not have time to physically recover, and structural changes also accumulate, which leads to the irreversibility of the process.
Possible bladder transformations:
- volume reduction;
- stenotic sclerosis;
- formation of fistulas;
- stagnation.
Radiation cystitis in women who receive x-rays to fight cancer in the genital area is far from rare. It is important to follow all the recommendations of the doctor, to comply with the established regimen.in order not to increase the negative impact of this therapy.
Symptoms of the disease
The main symptom of radiation cystitis is the constant urge to urinate, the number of which comes from 40 to 45 times a day, including at night. The characteristic manifestations of the disease include pain, burning and pain during urination. Blood may be present in the urine, as well as white flakes, sand, small stones. The general condition of a person and the severity of symptoms will depend on the severity of the course of the disease. A mild degree is characterized by an almost asymptomatic course of the pathology. With an average degree of damage, the signs will be more pronounced, but adequate competent treatment allows you to quickly cope with the disease.
In a severe form, the patient needs inpatient treatment, it is characterized by the presence of severe pain and possible complications. An extremely severe form of radiation cystitis occurs against the background of organ damage, which is diffuse in nature. At the same time, the acute and chronic nature of the course of the disease is distinguished.
Degrees of post-radiation cystitis:
- Catarrhal. Its signs: the presence of small impurities of blood in the urine, increased urination (22-24 times a day). Urinalysis shows the presence of protein, leukocytes and erythrocytes. A biochemical blood test does not reveal significant changes.
- A pathology develops, in which there is an expansion of blood vessels inside the organ. Signs: low hemoglobin, bloodimpurities in the urine in the form of clots, frequent urination (up to 30 times a day).
- Inlaid degree. Signs: there are many different impurities in urine, urination becomes more frequent up to 45 times a day. The biochemical composition of the blood shows characteristic changes (presence of creatinine, nitrogen, urea). Bladder reduction in volume.
Diagnosis of disease
Diagnostics begin with giving patients a urine and blood test for laboratory tests. Signs of radiation cystitis are the presence in the blood and urine of an increased level of red blood cells, white blood cells, bacteria, calcium s alts. Biochemical analysis is aimed at detecting residual nitrogen, creatinine, and urea. The doctor also gives a referral for urine culture to determine the exact type of infection and prescribe medications based on this.
To clarify the diagnosis, instrumental research methods are used:
- urography;
- cystoscopy (determines the presence of changes in the bladder);
- renography (to determine the he alth of the kidneys).
Treatment of disease
Treatment is complex. It all depends on the severity of the course of the disease, the characteristics of the organism, the type of lesion. In any case, the patient is prescribed conservative therapy for a long period. If the form is assessed by the doctor as "severe", then surgery is performed. A competent doctor will always pay special attention to eliminating the possible risk of secondaryinfection and prevent the spread of inflammation to other vital organs.
Diet
Treatment of radiation cystitis begins with the appointment of a special diet for the patient. This type of food contains high-calorie foods with a high content of proteins. The following foods are prohibited:
- fried;
- spicy;
- s alty;
- spicy;
- canned.
This diet is aimed at restoring the natural processes in the bladder.
What kind of drugs are prescribed to the patient
The disease is also treated with medical and conservative methods. Medicines are aimed at restoring the patient's immune system, enhancing the nutrition of body cells, as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Often, the doctor prescribes additional drugs that stimulate the human circulatory system. Find here their use and drugs that promote the healing of body tissues. To improve the general condition of a person, it is also necessary to use painkillers.
Effectiveness of intravesical drug administration
In a severe course of the disease, the patient may be prescribed intravesical administration of the drug. This method often shows good results because the introduction of the drug directly into the affected area makes it possible to favorably influence the course of the disease. In no case should you stop using drugs after eliminating painful unpleasantsymptoms, otherwise, the disease may return again. Treatment after radiation cystitis must be continued as directed by a doctor.
