Symptoms Of Interstitial Cystitis
The main symptoms of interstitial cystitis are:
- intense pelvic pain
- sudden strong urges to pee
- needing to pee more often than normal
- waking up several times during the night to go to the toilet
The pain may be worse when your bladder is full and may be temporarily relieved when you go to the toilet.
You might also find the pain is worse during periods or after having certain foods or drinks.
The symptoms will often come and go in phases. You may have episodes lasting days, weeks or months where your symptoms improve, followed by times when they’re worse.
Pain Medicine And Sedatives
If you are suffering from catheter-related bladder spasms, it might benefit you if you were given pain medications and sedatives as bladder spasm medication. However, these drugs might not be able to take away all the discomfort. Researchers also suggest that prescription anti-inflammatory medications like ketorolac could also help stop catheter- or surgery-related bladder spasms in children.
Complementary And Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture. Some research has suggested that bladder-specific acupuncture may significantly reduce bladder muscle contractions and the urge to use the bathroom.
Biofeedback. Biofeedback is a method that teaches the mind how to control normally automated body functions. Bladder training is a type of biofeedback. Some doctors believe biofeedback and behavioral changes work better than medicines for treating urge incontinence. A combination of biofeedback and medications may work best.
Also Check: Natural Remedies To Cure Bladder Infection
What Exactly Do Bladder Spasms Feel Like
#2Christine I have been diagnoised for 6 1/2 years now. I have taken a long break from the ICN but really miss helping out my fellow IC patients and want to get back into posting. 1st hydro 4/07 showed no visible signs of IC but tons of mast cells in all my biopsy samples which did prove IC.2nd hydro 4/13/09 showed dark purple glomerulations and I had a capacity of 450 cc’s. This hydro proved that my IC had progressed.I have tried every oral medication as well as rescue instills and DMSO. I have been lucky enough to see Dr Hanno, the top IC specialist in PA who has told me due to the fact that I have not responded to any “standard” treatments that I have a severe, end stage case of IC with a horrible quality of life Proud wifey of Shane, mommy to Griffin, and step-mom to Logan and Gage Also proud mom to the best Bullmastiff on earth, Claus
Things You Can Do To Help Interstitial Cystitis
Lifestyle changes will usually be recommended first.
Things that may help improve your symptoms include:
- reducing stress anything that helps you relax, such as exercise or regular warm baths, may help reduce your symptoms, and recent evidence suggests that mindfulness-based techniques, such as meditation, can help
- avoiding certain foods or drinks if you notice they make your symptoms worse but do not make significant changes to your diet without seeking medical advice first
- stopping smoking the chemicals you breathe in while smoking may irritate your bladder
- controlling how much you drink try to reduce the amount you drink before going to bed
- planned toilet breaks taking regular planned toilet breaks may help stop your bladder becoming too full
You may also find it useful to contact a support group, such as the Interstitial Cystitis Association or Bladder Health UK for information and advice about living with interstitial cystitis.
Also Check: Over The Counter Bladder Control Meds
What Is Painful Bladder Syndrome
Painful Bladder Syndrome
Painful bladder syndrome is a condition that causes bladder pain, pressure, or discomfort. Some people feel the need to urinate frequently or rush to get to the bathroom. The symptoms range from mild to severe and can happen sometimes or all the time. PBS is not caused by an infection, but it can feel like a urinary tract infection or UTI. Painful bladder syndrome is also referred to as bladder pain syndrome and interstitial cystitis. In the past, doctors thought PBS was rare and difficult to treat. We now know that PBS affects many women and men and treatments are helpful.
What causes PBS?
No one knows for sure, but we think PBS happens when the inner lining of the bladder is not working properly. This means that nerves in the wall of the bladder become hypersensitive so the normal feeling of the bladder filling can be painful. There may also be inflammation or allergic reaction responses in the bladder. Some people report developing PBS after an injury to the bladder such as a severe bladder infection or major trauma, but this is not always the case. PBS is more common in people who have irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or other chronic pain conditions. It is not clear why these problems happen together.
What are the symptoms of PBS?
How is PBS diagnosed?
Do I need a cystoscopy?
How is PBS treated?
Simple changes to diet or routines can help some people with bladder pain. Steps might include
Don’t Sabotage Your Recovery
Don’t give in and reach for the foods that are hurting you. I really sabotaged myself for a while because I would not give up that one cup of coffee in the morning. Once I got past that, I started to get better. Don’t undermine your recovery with that one glass of wine or cup of coffee, the way I did. Just stop. If all goes well, this will be a temporary situation. You can go back to enjoying those things later, but for now, you have to get this situation under control.
Instead of your regular acidic indulgences, milk or vanilla ice cream can be pleasant and very soothing. Make sure you get a brand of ice cream that does not contain a lot of chemicals.
Recommended Reading: What Vitamins Are Good For Bladder Health
Bladder Spasm Or Over Active Bladder Syndrome
You go to the doctor with what you’re sure is a bladder infection, only to find out it’s not. A urinalysis shows that there is no bacteria present. So what now?
The urologist I went to diagnosed me with having “bladder spasm.” This condition is also known as overactive bladder syndrome or OAB. He took great pains to explain to me how difficult it is to find the cause and right treatment for symptoms like urinary frequency and urgency. He also said that many women have episodes like this at some time in their lives, but recover from it completely.
How Doctors Diagnose Whats Causing The Spasm
Before running any tests, your doctor will assess your medical history and notes on any medications youre taking. Theyll also perform a physical exam.
Afterward, your doctor may examine a sample of your urine to check for bacteria, blood, or other signs of infection. If infection is ruled out, there are several tests that can help diagnose bladder issues.
Some tests measure how much urine is left in your bladder after voiding. Others measure the speed of your urination. Some tests can even determine your bladder pressure.
If these tests arent pointing to a specific cause, your doctor may want to perform a neurological exam. This will allow them to check for different sensory issues and certain reflexes.
Exercise and changes in your lifestyle may help ease your bladder spasms. Medications are another treatment option.
Also Check: Why Is My Bladder Burning
Bladder Cancer: Less Common In Women
Bladder cancer is rare, especially in women. Of the roughly 83,730 new diagnoses each year in the United States, about 19,450 are in women, according to the American Cancer Society . The most common symptom is blood in the urine some women also experience a painful, burning sensation when urinating.
Bladder cancer treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. According to the ACS, most people need surgery to remove a tumor or tumors. All or parts of the bladder are removed in severe cases.
What Is Interstitial Cystitis/bladder Pain Syndrome
Interstitial cystitis /bladder pain syndrome is a chronic bladder health issue. It is a feeling of pain and pressure in the bladder area. Along with this pain are lower urinary tract symptoms which have lasted for more than 6 weeks, without having an infection or other clear causes.
Symptoms range from mild to severe. For some patients the symptoms may come and go, and for others they don’t go away. IC/BPS is not an infection, but it may feel like a bladder infection. Women with IC/BPS may feel pain when having sex. The more severe cases of IC/BPS can affect your life and your loved ones. Some people with IC/BPS have other health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other pain syndromes.
The bladder and kidneys are part of the urinary system, the organs in our bodies that make, store, and pass urine. You have 2 kidneys that make urine. Then urine is stored in the bladder. The muscles in the lower part of your abdomen hold your bladder in place.
How the Urinary System Works
Recommended Reading: What Medication Is Good For A Bladder Infection
Sedatives And Pain Management
Sometimes the pain can be hard to tolerate. Those who recently had urethral catheterization, but need help to relieve the discomfort and pain, may be suggested to take a sedative or a urinary diversion.
But, to manage the pain, urinary retention, urinary incontinence, and other bladder symptoms, talk with a doctor first. Especially if you recently had surgery that may cause your urinary incontinence.
What Are The Specific Symptoms Of Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder represents a collection of symptoms that can include:
- Urinary urgency: This is a failure to be able to postpone the need to urinate. When you feel you need to urinate, you have a limited amount of time to get to a bathroom.
- Frequency of urination: People who experience this symptom need to urinate very often. Typically its an increase in the number of times you urinate compared to what you previously experienced.
- Urge incontinence: In this case, there can be a leakage of urine when you get the urge to urinate.
- Nocturia: This symptom is characterized by the need to get up and urinate at least two times each night.
Read Also: Does Cranberry Juice Help Bladder Problems
What Causes Overactive Bladder
An overactive bladder can be caused by several things, or even a combination of causes. Some possible causes can include:
- Weak pelvic muscles: Pregnancy and childbirth can cause your pelvic muscles to stretch and weaken. This can cause the bladder to sag out of its normal position. All of these factors can cause leakage.
- Nerve damage: Sometimes signals are sent to the brain and bladder to empty at the wrong time. Trauma and diseases can cause this to happen. These can include:
- Pelvic or back surgery.
- Stroke.
Often, there may be no specific explanation for why this is occurring.
How Do You Diagnose Urinary Spasms
Identifying the underlying condition requires a proper history taking and clinical examination. The investigations require to check any abnormalities that might exist in the central nervous system , or any abnormalities in the kidney or local abnormalities near the urinary bladder. The investigations done include –
1. Urodynamics
These are tests done to check whether the bladder is functioning well. Inefficient emptying of the bladder may result in spasm of the bladder.
- Measuring the flow of the urine using an uroflowmeter, to identify the volume of urine and the speed of the urine voided.
- Bladder pressures are measured using cystometry. Here the pressure within the bladder and the pressure in the surrounding region are measured during filling of bladder.
2. Imaging Investigation
- An x-ray investigation, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography images are imaging techniques that are used to visualize the central nervous system and the urinary tract to identify any abnormal conditions.
3. Electroencephalogram
- An electroencephalogram or an electromyogram may be used to identify the electric function in the central nervous system and the muscular system respectively to identify abnormalities.
Don’t Miss: Can Fibroids Cause Bladder Leakage
How Is Ic Diagnosed
Interstitial cystitis is often mistaken for a urinary tract infection. Patients often go as long as four years between the time they first experience symptoms and the time they receive their diagnosis. It most commonly affects women, although men can get it too.
IC is diagnosed by ruling out other conditions, such as bladder infections or bladder cancer. Also, when it is advanced, it can be diagnosed by cystoscopy, as there will be visible ulcers on the lining of the bladder. For a cystoscopy, you will have to see a urologist. Not all doctors believe a cystoscopy is a necessary or effective way to diagnose the condition since the exam can be normal but you still may have IC.
Does Bladder Inflammation Go Away
Although the symptoms of interstitial cystitis may improve over time, there is no cure for the condition. The following are some of the treatments: Caffeinated drinks, tobacco, citrus fruits, spicy foods, and chocolate are only a couple of the foods that some people find aggravate their interstitial cystitis.
Read Also: Bladder Infection In Elderly Woman
Other Therapeutic Treatment Options
A doctor may recommend types of treatments that will work in conjunction with prescription medication.For example, if a person is unable to fully empty the bladder after they urinate normally, they may require self-catheterization. This involves inserting a thin, flexible catheter into the bladder to safely remove the excess urine. Another option is injecting Botox into the bladder wall, which can reduce the incidence of uncomfortable bladder spasms.
Electrical nerve stimulation sends electrical impulses through the nerves that affect the bladder, which can provide symptom relief in some cases.
When to See a DoctorBladder spasms usually only require emergency care when a person also has a high fever, severe pelvic pain, or a significant amount of blood in their urine.But everyone who has frequent bladder spasms has difficulty making it to the bathroom in time, or has urine leaks, should see a doctor and establish a treatment plan.
Natural RemediesLifestyle changes are one of the first things you should try if you are dealing with an overactive bladder and/or bladder spasms. Lots of people use a combination of these options to control their symptoms. Maybe one or more of these alternatives could improve your bladder health!
Should I Limit The Amount Of Fluids I Drink
No. Many people with bladder pain syndrome think they should drink less to relieve pain and reduce the number of times they go to the bathroom. But you need fluids, especially water, for good health. Getting enough fluids helps keep your kidneys and bladder healthy, prevent urinary tract infections, and prevent constipation, which may make your symptoms worse.9
You May Like: How Do You Fix Overactive Bladder
What Does A Bladder Spasm Feel Like
One of the most common bladder spasm symptoms is feeling an urgent need to urinate. As a result, the bladder spasms might cause urine leakage, otherwise known as urinary incontinence. If a urinary tract infection is causing bladder spasms, you might also notice the following bladder spasm symptoms:
- A burning sensation during urination
- Failure to fully empty the bladder
- Urine that has a cloudy, red, or pink appearance
- Strong smelling urine
- Pain in the pelvic area
- uncontrollable bladder contractions
On the other hand, if your bladder spasms are a result of an overactive bladder, you can also experience the following bladder spasm symptoms:
- Leakage of urine before you get to the toilet
- Frequent passing of urine, sometimes up to eight times per day
- Waking up once or twice during the night to urinate
Do Muscle Relaxers Help Bladder Spasms
Medicine is a word that has a lot of To treat your overactive bladder, your doctor can prescribe medication. Muscle relaxants aid in the regulation of muscle spasms that cause your bladder to pinch at inopportune times. Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, a racing heart, and a flushed appearance are all common side effects .
Also Check: What Causes Weak Bladder Muscles
What Causes Interstitial Cystitis
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is not clear. Unlike other types of cystitis, there’s no obvious infection in the bladder and antibiotics do not help.
In some people with the condition, the bladder is inflamed, ulcerated, scarred or stiff.
There are several theories about the possible cause of the condition.
These include:
- damage to the bladder lining, which may mean pee can irritate the bladder and surrounding muscles and nerves
- a problem with the pelvic floor muscles used to control peeing
- your immune system mistakenly attacking your bladder
- an allergic reaction
It’s also been suggested that interstitial cystitis may be a symptom of a more widespread problem, as it’s been associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome , irritable bowel syndrome and lupus.
What Are The Treatment Modalities For Bladder Spasms
The options for treatment include medical, surgical treatment and lifestyle changes for coping with the condition.
1. Medical treatment includes drugs that help in reducing the symptoms of bladder spasms and reduce urinary incontinence. These drugs come under the class of antispasmodics.
Examples are tolterodine, oxybutynin chloride, and trospium chloride.
Drugs indicated for depression also help in bladder relaxation and reduce spasm. Examples are amitriptyline and nortriptyline.
Onabotulinumtoxin A injections for the bladder help in reducing the urinary incontinence by paralysis of the muscle in the bladder. This is given in small doses and has temporary results.
2. Surgical treatment is employed in patients who are suffering from severe symptoms when all other treatment modalities have failed. It aims at increasing the capacity of the bladder or bringing down the pressure of the bladder.
Surgical modalities include:
- Surgery to increase bladder capacity
- Bladder removal
- Urinary diversion
- Artificial sphincter
3. Lifestyle changes are also required to enable the patient to cope with his/her conditions. These include:
- Control weight to appropriate levels
- Reduce intake of drinks containing alcohol and caffeine
- Reduce fluid intake following consultation of physician
Also Check: E Coli Bladder Infection Symptoms