What Is An Irritated Bladder

Changes In Your Reproductive System

Bladder pain in women may also be a result of thinning vaginal skin, says Karl Luber, MD, a urogynecologist and a founder of the female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery fellowship program at UCSDKaiser Permanente in San Diego.

This is called atrophy and it’s most common when menopause deprives the tissues surrounding the vagina of estrogen, he explains. Oral estrogen doesnt help, but a vaginal estrogen cream may ease symptoms.

Talking with your doctor about bladder pain and discomfort can help determine where the problem really lies, Dr. Luber says.

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How Is The Diagnosis Made

The diagnosis is helped by completing a frequency volume chart .

An examination is carried out to identify underlying or contributory causes, such as neurological disease, enlarged uterus or pelvic organ prolapse.

Investigations to detect underlying problems include urine dipstick, culture and sensitivity and / or cystoscopy .

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Overactive Bladder At Night

If you find that you wake up to urinate more than one time per night, you may have a condition called nocturia, or overactive bladder at night. Nocturia isnt the same as overactive bladder. In fact, some people who experience no OAB symptoms during the day can still have nocturia.

Nocturia is more common in people over age 60, but one in three adults over 30 need two or more trips to the bathroom each night. Most adults can sleep six to eight hours without waking up. Others may only need to wake up once.

If you require more bathrooms breaks during your slumber, you may be experiencing overactive bladder at night.

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Diagnostics Of The Irritable Bladder Syndrome

Diagnosis begins with the study of complaints, the history of life and human disease. The doctor can ask the patient for 3-4 days to fill out a special diary, noting in it the frequency and nature of episodes of urination. It is good, if the patient takes care in advance and will come to the primary consultation with the already available diary.

What should be noted in this diary:

• time when the patient felt the urge to urinate and went to the restroom
• approximate volume of excreted urinary fluid in one episode
• frequency and incidence of episodes of incontinence
• when using urological pads – their number
• volumes of fluid consumed per day .

When interviewing a patient, the doctor will certainly ask about the presence of neuropathologies, urological and gynecological diseases, and diabetes mellitus. Women are required to specify information about the number and characteristics of the birth, the operations performed, which affected the musculature of the perineum.

Further, the doctor can prescribe a vaginal examination and a cough test. After that, a number of additional tests and instrumental diagnostics are performed.

Make Friends With Non

Acidic foods are usually bladder irritants. So when going through the produce section, keep an eye out for fruits and veggies that have a low acid content. Pears are a tasty fruit that arent acidic either. Plus, pears are a great source of fiber, which is great for the pelvic floor. Some other non-acidic fruits to keep an eye out for include watermelon and blueberries.

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Altered Release Of Urothelial Factors

In addition to its role as a physical barrier, the urothelium provides bi-directional communication with underlying primary afferents via the detection and/or release of a range of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters and neuromodulators including ATP, acetylcholine, nitric oxide , NGF, prostaglandin E2 , neurokinin A, and inflammatory mediators as described above . Altered urothelial mediator release has been identified from OAB and IC/PBS patients in a number of studies and may be a compounding mechanism in the development of chronic neuronal hypersensitivity .

Limited causations have been determined for altered urothelial neurotransmitter release or receptor expression in OAB and IC/PBS, but there is accumulating evidence that they are a downstream consequence of inflammation, infection or urothelial breakdown.

What Is Irritable Bladder

Irritable bladder is not a formal medical diagnosis. It is a broad term that is used to refer to any form of bladder irritation symptoms due to various bladder conditions like cystitis . However, most of the time irritable bladder is a term used to describe bladder spasms. It should not be confused with irritable bowel syndrome which is a medical diagnosis for a functional bowel disorder.

Bladder spasms are a specific medical condition where the muscles of the bladder contract suddenly and often forcefully. However, most bladder conditions present with similar signs and symptoms. From a non-medical perspective, this may be referred to as an irritable bladder. Therefore the various conditions that could be broadly referred to as irritable bladder have been discussed under the causes of irritable bladder, including bladder spasms.

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What Are The Treatments For An Overactive Bladder

Unfortunately, diagnosing bladder pain often takes a long time as other possible causes are usually excluded first.

There is no single diagnostic test for Painful Bladder Syndrome. However, your doctor/specialist will want to thoroughly examine your medical history along with giving you a pelvic examination and ordering a series of urine tests. This is done to rule out other treatable conditions before they consider a diagnosis of PBS.

The most common of these conditions in both men and women are urinary tract infections and bladder cancer. For men, other common diseases your doctor might look for include chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. For women, endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic pain.

So, diagnosis of PBS is generally attributed to:

• pain related to the bladder, usually accompanied by frequency and urgency of urination, and
• absence of other diseases that could cause the symptoms

Your doctor/specialist will probably order diagnostic tests that help rule out other causes of bladder pain, including:

Urinalysis and urine culture examining urine under a microscope and creating a culture can identify the primary organisms that are known to infect the urinary tract and that may cause symptoms similar to PBS.

Culture of prostate secretions rarely performed procedure where prostatic fluid is obtained and examined it for signs of a prostate infection, which can then be treated with antibiotics.

How The Disorders May Be Linked

If you have bladder problems, such as frequent urination, in addition to irritable bowel syndrome , you are not alone. There is an overlap between bladder symptoms and IBS, and certain treatments can help provide relief.

This article discusses bladder conditions that often affect IBS patients, symptoms to watch out for, and when to see a doctor.

Verywell / Laura Porter

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Avoid Foods That Irritate Your Bladder

The first step toward calming an irritated bladder is to avoid foods that worsen the symptoms you experience. The most troublesome foods include citrus fruits and juices, caffeine, tomato, and tomato-based products, spicy foods, alcohol, vinegar, and some artificial sweeteners .

Besides these foods, other foods that may irritate your bladder include chocolate, carbonated drinks, onions, and processed foods.

Ideally, you should avoid or reduce your intake of these foods. While some foods are known as bladder irritants, the experiences may vary.

Its useful to have a food journal where youll track your intake of foods and vegetables and also log symptoms you experience. This will help you detect foods that irritate your bladder and urethra.

What Is The Latest Research On Bladder Pain Syndrome Treatment

Researchers continue to search for new ways to treat bladder pain. Some current studies focus on:

• New medicines to treat bladder pain
• Meditation as a way to control bladder pain
• The role of genetics in bladder pain
• Acupuncture treatment

To learn more about current bladder pain treatment studies, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

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How Can Irritants Affect Your Bladder

Bladder irritation develops due to inflammation of the bladder lining. Conditions that include bladder pain and irritation can consist of urinary tract infection and interstitial cystitis. Other conditions that cause urinary urgency or urgency incontinence may do the same. Weak pelvic floor muscles can also negatively affect your bladder.

For some people, consuming certain foods and exposure to some substances can trigger inflammation of the bladder. Urinary frequency, urgency, and pain are significant signs of bladder inflammation.

Bladder irritants irritate the bladder muscle. In turn, muscle contraction happens, followed by symptoms described above.

Youre wondering now why some foods irritate the bladder. This subject requires further research. Bladder irritants deserve more attention. The more we know, the easier it will be to treat the bladder problem.

Consumption of certain foods can create a fertile ground for inflammation and irritation. These foods can also trigger nerves that control frequency and urgency. This explains the symptoms of bladder irritation.

For the treatment of bladder problems, your doctor may suggest identifying potential bladder irritants. Learn more about them below.

What To Do If You Have Both

If you are experiencing bowel and bladder symptoms, bring both to the attention of your healthcare provider. Because of the stigma regarding bathroom symptoms, many people are too shy to discuss their issues with their healthcare providers.

Dont be embarrassed. Elimination is a normal part of being human, as your healthcare provider well knows. They will help find a diagnosis and provide you a plan to manage each problem.

Depending on your condition, you might also get a referral to a urologist, urogynecologist, or neurologist.

Based on your diagnosis, your doctor will tailor your treatment for the bladder problem you are experiencing. For example, if your problems are related to pelvic floor dysfunction, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or biofeedback.

If your symptoms appear to be related to visceral hypersensitivity, they may recommend a medication that targets the nervous system. This could be a medication to increase levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin or a medication with anticholinergic effects.

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Symptoms Of Interstitial Cystitis

The symptoms associated with painful bladder, or interstitial cystitis syndrome include:

• Frequency day and night
• Urgency the need to urinate straight away, in some cases followed by pain, pressure or spasms
• Pain pain can be located in the abdomen, pelvis, bladder, urethra or vagina.

It is most important that you go to see your GP first because PB/IC is a diagnosis of symptoms plus exclusion of other serious possibilities such as cancer.

Your GP may refer you to a Urologist who may perform tests such as urodynamics or cystoscopy. A cystoscopy uses a cystoscope, which is a long tube that can be inserted into the urethra. It has a camera attached to the end so that an image can be shown on a monitor. It can take time to obtain a correct diagnosis as symptoms of PB/IC can be similar to other conditions for example, Overactive Bladder or Bacterial Cystitis.

How Can I Manage Bladder Irritation

You can manage discomfort by avoiding foods you have identified as bladder irritants. But removing foods from your diet doesnt mean you can never have them again. You might be able to enjoy them in moderation . Drinking plenty of water will help reduce pain from any bladder-irritating foods you might ingest, in moderation or accidentally.

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Bladder Pain In Women And Men

Bladder pain is more common in women. This is likely due to the fact that the two most common causes of bladder pain urinary tract infections and interstitial cystitis more often affect women than men. It may be also due to the fact that the bladder comes into direct contact with a womans reproductive organs, which may cause irritation and aggravate symptoms.

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Further Help For Bladder Pain

If you are concerned about your problem and it is starting to affect your day-to-day life make an appointment to see your doctor as you may need to be referred to a specialist.

If you are experiencing bladder pain you can contact a continence nurse or specialist physiotherapist, who are healthcare professionals who specialise in bladder and bowel problems.

Information on this page has been updated with the help of www.painful-bladder.org. If youd like to read their information sheet on painful bladder / interstitial cystitis please click here.

You can also find information about painful bladder / interstitial cystitis on the Bladder Health UK website bladderhealthuk.org, Email , Telephone 0121 702 0820

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What Causes Irritated Bladder

Inflammation that irritates the bladder is usually caused by bacteria that enter the urethra and travel to the bladder. Since men have a longer urethra, they are at a lower risk of this problem. However, they can still have it.

The most common type of bacteria that can enter the urinary tract and multiply in the bladder is Escherichia coli .

In many cases, the cause of an irritated bladder is unclear. Some people may have a defect in the bladders epithelium . This allows toxic substances from urine to irritate the bladder. Problems with the epithelium of the bladder are usually associated with chronic inflammation.

Everyone can get bladder irritation, but some people are at a higher risk. Common risk factors include being female, older than 30, and having a chronic pain disorder such as fibromyalgia and irritable bowel syndrome. Using a catheter can also increase the risk of bladder irritation.

Urinary Symptoms Of Irritable Bladder Syndrome

The main symptoms of an irritable bladder are urinary in nature. A person who is affected by this syndrome may have a sudden urge to urinate but find that she does not put out very much urine each time she tries. A patient with interstitial cystitis may have pain when urinating that can be described as sharp or burning. The pain felt when urinating usually subsides to some degree as the bladder empties, though some people do not find this kind of relief. The frequent urges to use the bathroom can last throughout the day and night.

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How Advanced Gynecology Can Help: Treatment Options For Painful Bladder Syndrome

If you are suffering from chronic bladder pain or frequency and pain when urinating Advanced Gynecology is here for you.

Our board-certified team of women’s health experts is ready to help you with diagnostic care and to discuss a range of treatment options. We will counsel you about the best options for you and your health.

We know that chronic, painful issues can deeply affect your life and the life of your loved ones around you. We are here to work with you to create the most comprehensive plan to make sure that you are on track to get back to your life as soon as possible.

For more information, schedule an appointment today or call 706-389-9228 to speak with one of our patient coordinators.

Defeat Dehydration And Drink Water

It is common knowledge that drinks with a high amount of caffeine can irritate the bladder. Unexpectedly, so can dehydration. Expert Dr Carol Figuers states, decreasing or eliminating caffeine intake can help reduce bladder urges. However, Figuers stresses the importance of drinking water regularly to reduce irritation. If your bladder seems to be interrupting your day, you are likely dehydrated. He asserts, its not a good idea to cut back on water in an attempt to reduce the urge to urinate. Lack of water can cause dehydration, which causes urine to become concentrated and result in increased bladder urgency and even bladder infection.

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Mechanisms Underlying Overactive Bladder And Interstitial Cystitis/painful Bladder Syndrome

• 1Visceral Pain Research Group, Centre for Neuroscience, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
• 2Centre for Nutrition and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Discipline of Medicine, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia

Where Can I Get More Information About Interstitial Cystitis

The support of family, friends and other people with interstitial cystitis is very important to help you cope with this problem. People who learn about interstitial cystitis and participate in their own care do better than people who don’t.

People with interstitial cystitis can get more information on this disease from these groups:

• Interstitial Cystitis Association

  51 Monroe St., Suite 1402

  Rockville, MD 20850

• 30 E. 33rd St., Suite 1100

  New York, NY 10016

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What Foods Can Calm The Bladder

Various factors affect bladder health, and diet is one of them. Some foods irritate your bladder, whereas others exhibit calming effects.

Here are 21 foods that calm the bladder:

• Nuts and seeds
• Beans and other legumes

Basically, you should choose foods that are abundant in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that the bladder needs for proper functioning. You should also strive to eat non-acidic foods and a lot of fiber. Fiber prevents constipation which would put pressure on your bladder and aggravate irritation .

How Is Interstitial Cystitis Diagnosed

Because there is no definitive test to diagnose IC, and because symptoms of IC are similar to other urinary disorders, a variety of diagnostic tests and procedures may be necessary. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for IC may include the following:

• Urinalysis: Laboratory examination of urine for various cells and chemicals, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, infection, or excessive protein.
• Urine culture and cytology
• Cystoscopy : An examination in which a scope, a flexible tube and viewing device, is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and urinary tract for structural abnormalities or obstructions, such as tumors or stones.
• Bladder wall biopsy: A procedure in which tissue samples are removed from the body for examination under a microscope to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

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