Whats The Difference Between Interstitial Cystitis & A Urinary Tract Infection
While a urinary tract infection is usually caused by harmful bacteria entering the urethra and infecting part of the urinary tract, the cause of IC remains unknown.
Although unproven, researchers believe that IC, which is also known as bladder pain syndrome, could result from a mix-up of nerve signals from the bladder to the brain. This is due to the bladder nerves becoming highly sensitive and alerting the brain of bladder pressure when it is not full or truly needing to urinate.
Another difference between IC and UTIs is vaginal discharge. During a UTI, vaginal discharge can become foul-smelling and change to a grey or cloudy color. With IC, there is no change to vaginal discharge.
In addition, UTIs can often be accompanied by a mild fever whereas IC symptoms rarely include a fever.
Feeling Comfortable With Your Provider
Remember that this is what doctors do: They are there to help solve medical problems. It may help to role play talking to a doctor with a friend or a family member. Rehearsing what you say and how you say it may help you to feel more comfortable.
It may also be comforting to know that healthcare professionals hear about bowel problems all of the time. Theyre trained in how to take a list of the symptoms and make a decision on what to do next. This could include a physical exam, some tests, and/or a referral to a specialist.
What Medications Are Used To Treat Overactive Bladder
As youre retraining your bladder, a healthcare provider may prescribe medication. Medications can help restore normal bladder function. Commonly prescribed medications for overactive bladder include:
Anticholinergic medications
Beta-3 adrenergic medication
Beta-3 adrenergic medications cause the detrusor muscles in your bladder to relax so your bladder can store more pee. A healthcare provider may prescribe:
Also Check: Bladder Infection Spread To Kidneys
/10swelling In The Legs
SWELLING IN THE LEGS: Edema or swollen feet and legs is a condition when there is fluid retention in the lower body. And as soon as you lie down, it increases your urge to urinate. Because the fluid that is retained in your lower body has to go somewhere, you feel an urgency to urinate. If you are affected by this condition, elevate your legs a couple hours before you lie down. This will help fluid to flow upwards and you will not feel the frequent urge to pee.
Recommended Reading: How To Help Bladder Control
Changes In Bladder Habits Or Symptoms Of Irritation
Bladder cancer can sometimes cause changes in urination, such as:
- Having to urinate more often than usual
- Pain or burning during urination
- Feeling as if you need to go right away, even when your bladder isnt full
- Having trouble urinating or having a weak urine stream
- Having to get up to urinate many times during the night
These symptoms are more likely to be caused by a urinary tract infection , bladder stones, an overactive bladder, or an enlarged prostate . Still, its important to have them checked by a doctor so that the cause can be found and treated, if needed.
You May Like: New Treatments For Overactive Bladder
Just How Much Time Does Lower Pain In The Back Normally Last Pressure In Bladder And Lower Back Pain
Lower neck and back pain can be identified as intense, subacute or persistent. Acute episodes of lower pain in the back usually last from a couple of days to 4 weeks as well as subacute lower pain in the back lasts in between 4 to 12 weeks.
According to the National Institutes of Wellness As well as Wellness, concerning 20 percent of people with severe back discomfort take location to create consistent back pain specified as discomfort that lasts 12 weeks or longer. Also in these situations, there are a number of treatment choices to help relieve lower pain in the back symptoms and signs.
When your back is genuinely killing you, you could worry something is seriously incorrect. The precise same chooses back pain that appears unrelenting. Luckily is that while neck and back pain is a substantial hassle, it is rarely an urgent clinical problem.
Really, a lot of the time you do not require to treat it. Back pain generally clears up by itself unless you have a significant underlying problem. Lower Back Pain And Also Discomfort Down Front Of Thigh
Read Also: Menâs Overactive Bladder Treatment
Blood Pressure Differences Between Arms
Finding blood pressure differences between arms can be a sign of atherosclerosis, which is basically plaque buildup in arteries. Finding a difference in pressure between sides of the body tells doctors that they need to investigate further to see if atherosclerosis is in the main blood vessel leaving the heart or in other parts of the body.
One study published in the medical journal The Lancet stated that a blood pressure difference of 10 to 15 points between arms increases the risk of dying from heart disease or a stroke.
A small difference in blood pressure between arms is nothing to panic about. A large difference could signal health problems that include not only plaque buildup, but also kidney disease, diabetes, and heart defects.
Also Check: How Do Males Get Bladder Infections
Causes Of Pelvic Pain In Men
Pelvic pain is usually associated with women, but men can also have this condition. So, when were discussing this subject, its also useful to mention the reasons behind pelvic pain when lying down in male patients. And pelvic pain among men, in general! The most common reasons behind pelvic pain in men include:
- Prostatitis inflammation of the prostate gland. There are different types of prostatitis including acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis, nonbacterial, and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. Pelvic pain is particularly common in acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis and it happens because bacteria may spread to the pelvis, groin, and lower back.
- Hernia indicated by sudden pain in the lower abdomen. It occurs when a piece of intestine or tissue pushes out through a weakened point in the muscle. As a result, the bulge forms.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia also known as enlarged prostate. The expansion of the prostate forms pressure on the urethra. This leads to problems with urination and pain in the pelvic area.
Basically, pelvic pain when lying down at night in male patients stems from urinary, reproductive, or intestinal issues. Its difficult to determine the cause of pelvic pain on your own. You need to see the doctor. A healthcare provider will ask about symptoms, family and medical history, perform a physical exam, and order necessary tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
Also Check: Does Coffee Cause Bladder Infections
What Are The Symptoms Of Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder represents a collection of symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Urinary urgency. Urinary urgency is a sudden, uncontrollable need to pee. Once you feel the need to pee, you have a short amount of time to get to a bathroom.
- Frequent peeing. A frequent need to pee means you have to go to the bathroom more often than usual.
- Urge incontinence. Urge incontinence is a sudden, uncontrollable need to pee, and you may leak pee.
- Nocturia. Nocturia is the need to get up to pee at least two times each night.
You May Like: Non Invasive Muscle Bladder Cancer
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
Interstitial Cystitis: A Severe Form Of Bladder Pain Syndrome
More than three million American women live with pelvic pain related to interstitial cystitis, a condition in which the bladder wall becomes irritated and inflamed, according to the NIDDK. Interstitial cystitis is a severe form of bladder pain syndrome, Siddiqui says.
Bladder discomfort from interstitial cystitis may range from tenderness to severe pain, according to the institute. Another clue that interstitial cystitis is the culprit: Menstruation tends to worsen bladder pain.
Interstitial cystitis is not caused by a urinary tract infection, although the symptoms may worsen if you have interstitial cystitis and get a UTI. While the cause is not understood, according to the NIDDK, certain events or factors seem to trigger flares in symptoms. These include stress, changes in diet, allergies, and taking certain drugs, among other things.
Treatment options for interstitial cystitis include distending the bladder, taking oral medication, physical therapy, and using electrical nerve stimulation to alleviate pain, but there is no known cure. In severe cases, where other treatments havent worked, sometimes surgery is an option.
Don’t Miss: Hot Tub Cover Air Bladder
Treatment For Symptomatic Bladder Prolapse
If you have symptoms of bladder prolapse it is recommended that, as for people with no symptoms, you make the same lifestyle changes, do pelvic floor muscle training and treat any chronic cough. Make them part of your routine.
However, sometimes prolapse can be more severe and these measures may not be enough on their own to relieve symptoms.
For these cases, there can be two different approaches:
1. Non-surgical approach vaginal pessaries
Some women may prefer this option if they wish to avoid or delay surgery, and it may be the safest option for women who are unfit for surgery.You will need regular check-ups with your healthcare professional if you are using a vaginal pessary long-term.
2.Surgical approach
- resting each day.
Natural Remedies For Relieving Bladder Pressure Caused By Ic
An interstitial cystitis-friendly diet, where trigger foods are pinpointed and eliminated, is highly recommended to minimize IC flare-ups. For example, eliminating the four Cs caffeine, citrus fruits, carbonated drinks, and vitamin C can significantly help reduce symptoms.
Evidence from recent studies also shows that aloe vera supplements, such as the Freeze Dried Aloe Vera For Interstitial Cystitis from Intimate Rose are incredibly effective in treating IC symptoms.
Aloe veras natural anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and anti-fungal properties act to soothe the pain and the burning sensation. Aloe can also help to regenerate the protective layer of the bladder more commonly known as the GAG layer, which can often be damaged in IC patients.
Regular yoga and meditation can help to relieve stress, which is known to cause IC flares-ups in some people. In addition, yoga also helps to relax the pelvic floor muscles.
Heat pads or hot water bottles also help to ease the dull pelvic ache associated with bladder pressure.
You May Like: What Would Cause Your Bladder To Leak
Pressure On Bladder: Remedies And Treatment
In addition to medical treatments needed for infections and cancer, there are lots of home treatments for pressure on the bladder. Some of these treatments consist of:
1. Usage prescription antibiotics for infection
If you have think you have an infection , see your healthcare provider who will recommend an antibiotic for the infection. In addition, make use of some of the home treatments to assist the pressure on the bladder.
2. Take analgesic
Over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen can assist alleviate the pain and inflammation which will assist with the bladder pressure.
3. Consume cranberry juice
Cranberry juice is believed to fight urinary system infections that are a leading reason for pressure on the bladder. The active ingredients in cranberry juice are not destroyed by the digestive process so can fight versus bacteria in the urine.
4. Drink water
Consume lots of water each day. Unless you have a medical condition that restricts you from drinking water, attempt to take in a minimum of 8 glasses of water each day. This will help flush dangerous bacteria from your bladder.
5. Prevent bladder-irritating drinks
On the other hand, attempt to avoid or restrict your intake of alcohol, caffeine and other citrus juices that may irritate your bladder.
6. Use heat pads
A heating pad or wet warm compress on your lower abdominal areas might assist to ease spasms that may be triggering the pressure on your bladder.
Can Nerve Stimulation Help Overactive Bladder
Yes, nerve stimulation can help improve OAB. Your nerves help tell your brain that your bladder is full. By treating your nerves, you can improve your bladder control.
Nerve stimulation is a reversible treatment. Healthcare providers only recommend it if other treatments dont work.
There are several types of nerve stimulation treatments. These include:
Sacral nerve stimulation
Sacral nerve stimulation is a therapy that electrically stimulates the nerves that control your bladder.
A healthcare provider will implant a small device called a neurotransmitter under the skin near your upper buttock area. The neurotransmitter sends mild electrical impulses through a wire near your sacral nerve. Your sacral nerve is a nerve in your lower back. The impulses help you control your bladder.
Sacral nerve stimulation can reduce the number of times you have to use the bathroom or the number of times you accidentally leak pee. Its overall very effective. Its also an outpatient procedure, so you can go home afterward.
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation
Percutaneous tibial stimulation sends small nerve impulses to a nerve branch near your ankle. It helps stimulate bladder control.
Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation is an outpatient procedure. Many people need 12 weekly sessions and then monthly maintenance sessions afterward.
Botulinum toxin injections
Botox® is the most well-known botulinum toxin brand. A healthcare provider injects Botox into your bladder wall using a cystoscope.
Read Also: Does Uti Cause Bladder Leakage
How Is Overactive Bladder Diagnosed
A healthcare provider can diagnose overactive bladder by reviewing your symptoms and conducting a physical examination of the organs around your pelvis and rectum. They may ask you questions such as:
- What are your symptoms?
- How long have you had these symptoms?
- Do you have a family history of overactive bladder?
- What over-the-counter and prescription drugs do you take?
- What kinds of fluids do you drink during the day?
- What time of day do you drink certain fluids?
- What do you eat during the day?
They may also refer you to a urologist. A urologist is a doctor who specializes in diseases and conditions that affect your urinary tract and reproductive system.
What Behavioral Changes Can I Make To Help With Overactive Bladder
There are many techniques and changes to your typical behavior that you can try to help with an overactive bladder. These can include:
Keeping a log: During a typical day, write down your fluid intake, the number of times you urinate, the number of accidents and when they occur. Make a note about what happened when the accident happened, like when you:
- Were unable to reach the bathroom in time.
Monitoring your diet: Eliminate or decrease foods or beverages that may worsen your bladder symptoms. These could include:
- Spicy and acidic foods and drinks.
- Foods and drinks that contain artificial sweeteners.
Maintaining bowel regularity: Constipation can place added pressure on the bladder and have a negative effect on your bladder function. By keeping healthy bowel habits, you may be able to avoid constipation and help to lessen bladder symptoms. The following are some suggestions for maintaining bowel regularity:
- Increase your fiber intake by eating foods like beans, pasta, oatmeal, bran cereal, whole wheat bread, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Every morning, take 2 tablespoons of this mixture: 1 cup apple sauce, 1 cup unprocessed wheat bran, and ¾ cup prune juice.
- Exercise regularly to maintain regular bowel movements.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight can add pressure on your bladder, which may contribute to bladder control problems. If you are overweight, weight loss can reduce the pressure on your bladder.
Don’t Miss: Bladder Implant For Overactive Bladder
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
Written byDr. Victor MarchionePublished onJanuary 27, 2017
Bladder pressure is an uncomfortable sensation that may signify something more serious than the need to urinate, so how can you relieve pressure on the bladder?
Continue reading to find out some of the most common causes of bladder pressure, what it means when you feel pressure on your bladder, and how you can relieve this uncomfortable sensation.
How Soon After Treatment Will I Feel Better
Pelvic floor exercises and changes to your lifestyle may take six to eight weeks before you start to see results.
Many medications start to relax your bladder muscles after a few hours. But they may take up to a month to work fully.
Botox should start to work after one to two weeks.
Most people start to see improvement after six nerve stimulation treatments. However, it may take up to 12 treatments to see results.
Read Also: Immunology Treatment For Bladder Cancer
What Happens When You See A Gp
BPS can have similar symptoms to long-term or frequent UTIs, so the GP may give you a urine test to check for a UTI.
Standard urine tests used in GP surgeries and hospitals may not pick up all infections of the bladder. You may be prescribed antibiotics to see if they help.
A GP may also suggest simple treatments such as:
- keeping a food diary and avoiding foods and drinks that make your symptoms worse
- stopping smoking chemicals in tobacco can irritate your bladder