The Hidden Danger Awaiting Holidaymakers: Pool Cystitis

Don't let your holiday turn into a nightmare. Pools that do not meet the necessary conditions for health and sometimes sea water can cause urinary tract infections. The most common complaint among pool infections is "pool cystitis". Op. from the Department of Urology. Dr. Ahmet Gençbay gave information;

What is cystitis?

Cystitis; It is inflammation of the bladder (urinary bladder). Cystitis, which is more common in women because they are anatomically different from men, can become chronic if neglected and cause permanent damage to the urinary system (bladder and kidneys).

Bacterial cystitis is generally more common in young women between the ages of 20-40. One in every 5 women experiences cystitis at least once in her life. The most common reason why cystitis is more common in women is that the urethra is shorter. The most common causative agent of cystitis is E. coli, which is responsible for 85 percent of cases. Normally, these bacteria are abundant in the large intestine. In the presence of some risk factors, these bacteria reach the bladder and cause cystitis.

What are the risk factors that cause cystitis?

• Poor genital hygiene

• Situations in which urinary flow is blocked (presence of a foreign body such as a stone, tumor or catheter in the urinary system)

• Neurological inability to empty the bladder

• Diabetes

• Pregnancy

• Old Age

• Irregular sexual intercourse (cystitis is more common in newlyweds, this is called 'honeymoon cystitis')

• Menopause period

• Prostate and urethra diseases in men

What are the symptoms of cystitis?

• Dysuria (burning, aching, pain while urinating)

• Pollachuria (frequent urination) and less urination

• Emergency Feeling of urinating

• Feeling of not being able to ejaculate completely

• Bad smelling and cloudy urine

• Dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse)

• Pain in the groin and below the navel

• Hematuria (blood in the urine )

How is cystitis diagnosed?

The most important finding in the diagnosis of cystitis is anamnesis. Most patients have many of the complaints mentioned above. The first examination to be performed on a patient with these complaints is microscopic examination of the urine. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and bacteria should be seen in the urine of a patient with cystitis. Urine culture may also be required to identify the bacteria causing the infection. If a primary disease causing cystitis is suspected, the patient may also undergo urinary ultrasound, IVP (medicated kidney film) and cystoscopy (looking at the bladder with a lighted device). If cystitis and the underlying cause are not treated, it can become chronic and leave the patient weak and exhausted.

How should cystitis be treated?

Since it is a bacterial disease, antibiotics should be used in the treatment. . Until the culture results are available, treatment should be started with drugs effective against gram-negative bacilli. Then the treatment should be tailored according to the culture.

What should be done to prevent cystitis?

• Daily water intake should be at least 2 liters. Water prevents bacteria from adhering to the bladder and allows them to be expelled.

• Beverages such as coffee, strong tea, alcohol and hot and spicy foods should be minimized. These have stimulating effects on the bladder.

• You should urinate as often as possible. Holding urine makes it easier for bacteria in the bladder to stick to the bladder wall and cause infection.

• Cleaning after the toilet should be correct. Cleaning should be done from front to back. This way, you will not carry bacteria towards the urinary tract. Just wiping with paper is not enough. The anal area must be washed with plenty of water. However, caution should be exercised as excessive hygiene obsession may disrupt the normal vaginal flora.

• Vaginal deodorant, perfumed soap, and powder should not be used because they may irritate the urinary tract.

• Underwear selection should be made correctly. Do not wear tight, tight trousers or nylon underwear. These clothes increase the humidity of the genital area, facilitating the reproduction of bacteria.

Cotton underwear should be preferred and changed every day.

• You should urinate in the early period after sexual intercourse. This prevents the spread of bacteria.

• Estrogen creams should be used in the post-menopausal period.

• Attention should be paid to pool cystitis, especially in the summer months. Entering crowded and dirty pools should be avoided.

 

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