Why Is My Bladder Inflamed

What Can I Do If I Have Bladder Pain From Foods

Living with bladder irritation can be uncomfortable. But you can take steps to remove irritants from your diet and reduce pain. Avoid foods that irritate your bladder, and remember that water is important. Drinking enough water helps you feel more comfortable after you eat foods that irritate your bladder.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Bladder discomfort can be frustrating and even embarrassing. Conditions like IC can make you feel like you need to pee even after youve already gone to the bathroom, and your bladder can hurt a lot. But you can get help to reduce irritation. Talk to your healthcare provider about your bladder irritation and possible food and drink causes.

What Is Urethral Syndrome

Urethral syndrome is a condition that affects the urethra, which is the tube that extends from your bladder to the outside of your body. The urethra is responsible for transporting urine out of the body. People with urethral syndrome have an inflamed or irritated urethra.

Urethral syndrome is also known as symptomatic abacteriuria. It has many of the same symptoms as urethritis, which is an infection and inflammation of the urethra. These symptoms include abdominal pain and frequent, painful urination. Both conditions cause irritation to your urethra. Urethritis usually develops because of a bacteria or virus, but urethral syndrome often has no clear cause.

Adults of any age can develop this condition, but its most common in women.

Urethral syndrome has various causes. Common causes may include physical problems with the urethra, such as abnormal narrowing or urethral irritation or injury.

The following can cause irritation to the urethra:

• scented products, such as perfumes, soaps, bubble bath, and sanitary napkins
• spermicidal jellies

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

• How do my symptoms indicate interstitial cystitis, instead of another condition, such as an infection or urinary incontinence?
• Do I need any tests to confirm a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis?
• Will I need to see a specialist?
• What are my treatment options? Which treatment is best for me?
• How can I help manage my symptoms? Will diet changes, bladder training, or physical therapy help?

You May Like: Bladder Infection Versus Yeast Infection

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 Does Bladder Pain Syndrome Affect Pregnancy

Some women find that their bladder pain symptoms get better during pregnancy. Others find their symptoms get worse. During pregnancy, you need to urinate more often and are at higher risk for urinary tract infections and constipation. This can make symptoms worse for some women. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, especially water.

If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor about your bladder pain syndrome and any medicines you might be taking. Some medicines and treatments are not safe to use during pregnancy.

Also Check: How To Pass Bladder Stones

Get A Diagnosis Not A Self

Its also important to consider whether the uterus and other organs of the gynecological system could be causing bladder pain, Siddiqui says, as they are close to the bladder. Pelvic floor dysfunction, such as tightness or spasms of the pelvic muscles, commonly occurs with bladder pain and may make bladder pain worse, she explains. Pelvic pain can also be caused by endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or ovarian cysts. Additionally, gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel diseases can sometimes be the source of pelvic pain, notes Mayo Clinic.

If none of these conditions are present and women have ongoing bladder pain, they are typically treated for bladder pain syndrome, which refers to painful conditions of the bladder where other causes such as UTI and cancer have been excluded,” says Siddiqui.

The bottom line for women to keep in mind: Dont self-diagnose your bladder pain. Addressing and treating the issue can offer relief for body and mind.

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.

Also Check: Can A Bladder Infection Turn Into A Kidney Infection

Certain Fruits And Juices

Certains fruits and juices might provoke bladder irritation symptoms. Cranberries and cranberry juice can potentially irritate your bladder, possibly by making your urine more acidic. Citrus fruits and their juices have also been reported to trigger bladder irritation symptoms in some people.

It remains unclear why citrus fruits might cause bladder irritation, although a June 2012 BJU International review article states it is unlikely to be due to urine acidity. Other fruits that might provoke bladder irritation in some people include papayas, cantaloupe, grapes, nectarines, kiwi fruit, pineapples, strawberries and passion fruit.

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.

Read Also: Bladder Cancer What To Expect

Symptoms Of An Enlarged Bladder

Physiologically, an enlarged bladder will present with common symptoms that can be seen in the majority of affected individuals. This may include the following:

• Slow urine flow
• Feeling the bladder is full constantly
• Difficulty urinating
• Nocturiawaking up to urinate at night

Considering there are a multitude of varying causes for enlarged bladder development, specific causes may present with unique urinary symptoms. Injuries causing a pelvic fracture will present with additional pain. Kidney stones will present with pain, difficulty urinating, and possible blood in the urine. Having a tumor mass that spreads to the kidneys signifies great carcinogenic issues.

The origin of the obstruction will also dictate the type of treatment used. For large masses such as cancerous tumors or kidney stones, surgery is an option. Getting the obstruction out will most likely relieve the issue. Placing a stent to keep open a narrow ureter or kidney can also promote flow. Treatment of unborn children in the womb involves the use of a shunt to drain the childs bladder into the amniotic sac.

When To See Your Gp

You should see your GP if you or your child have symptoms of cystitis for the first time.

Cystitis isn’t usually a cause for serious concern, but the symptoms can be similar to several other conditions, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis.

If you’re a woman who has had cystitis before, you don’t necessarily need to see your GP again. Cystitis is very common in women and mild cases often get better on their own. Speak to a pharmacist if you need any advice about treating cystitis.

However, you should see your GP if your symptoms are severe or don’t start to get better in a few days, you get cystitis frequently, or you’re pregnant.

Children and men should always be seen by a GP if they have symptoms of cystitis, as the condition is less common and could be more serious in these groups.

Don’t Miss: How To Reduce Bladder Inflammation Naturally

Medicines And Medical Conditions

• Medicines such as diuretics for high blood pressure cause you to get rid of fluid that your body is keeping.
• If you take a diuretic, it will make your bladder fill up quickly and then you will need to pee more often.
• For some women, after taking the medicine, they stay close to a bathroom and pee more often to lower leakage.
• Do not take this type of medicine at bedtime. You will need to get up often during the night to pee.

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: Malignant Neoplasm Of Bladder Unspecified

Home Remedies For Irritable Bladder

There are a few different natural approaches to dealing with an irritable bladder. For example, many people find that pelvic floor exercises are helpful. These are exercises that can strengthen the muscles around the bladder, vagina, and penis. Dietary changes can also help with irritable bladder. Many people find there are certain foods that irritate the bladder. Bladder irritant foods can be different for everyone but tracking food consumption can help a person identify what aggravates them.

The following foods are common bladder irritants:

• Alcoholic beverages

What Are The Symptoms Of Bladder Infection In Men

While different individuals will not have the same signs, the following are the most common symptoms of bladder infection:

A sudden and frequent urge to urinate

Peeing little amounts of urine

Lower back pain or cramping in the lower abdomen

Burning sensation when urinating

Frequent urination during the night

Foul-smelling urine that may appear cloudy

Fever

Feeling tired

Blood in the urine this is a sign that your bladder walls are inflamed, in which case you should seek medical assistance urgently.

The following UTI symptoms are specific to men:

Discharge from the penis

Swollen scrotum

It is important to note that bladder infection in males is more likely to recur after the initial infection because bacteria may hide and multiply within the prostate gland.

Also Check: Non Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Treatment

How To Deal With Swollen Urethra In Female

Your doctor will give you antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infection. He or she will order certain tests and prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic until the lab reports come.

1. Medications Help

Doxycycline and Azithromycin are the two most common medicines used to treat swollen urethra in female. Usually administered orally, you need to take these for a week or so to clear the infection.Your doctor may also add a cephalosporin with azithromycin to deal with gonococcal urethritis.

2. Safe Sex

It is important for your partner to be evaluated if you have a sexually transmitted disease causing urethral inflammation, as many bacteria can spread through sexual contract. And that’s why you should practice safe sex. For this, keep a few important things in mind:

• Avoid having sexual intercourse with multiple partners.
• Get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
• Always ask your partner to wear a condom before engaging in vaginal sex.
• You should avoid having sex with others if you know you have an STI.

3. Self-Care Options

When you have already developed swollen urethral, you may consider taking a few self-care measures to make things more manageable. For instance, use castor oil packs, try Mayan massage, and use anti-constipation recipes.

4. Precautions

You may want to know some precautionary measures to avoid dealing with swollen urethra female. For instance:

Can Eating Certain Foods Or Drinks Make My Bladder Pain Symptoms Worse

Maybe. Some people report that their symptoms start or get worse after eating certain foods or drinks, such as:16

• Alcohol
• Citrus fruits, such as oranges
• Drinks with caffeine, such as coffee or soda

Keep a food diary to track your symptoms after eating certain foods or drinks. You can also stop eating foods or drinks one at a time for at least one week to see if your symptoms go away. If not, stop eating other trigger foods or drinks one at a time for one week to see which ones may be causing some of your symptoms.

You May Like: Do Bladder Infections Go Away

What Causes Male Bladder Infection

Bladder infection is normally caused by bacteria which multiply in the urethra and travel into the bladder. These bacteria include Staphylococcus, Escherichia Coli, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas. If left unchecked, the infection can grow further and reach the kidneys and ultimately, get into the bloodstream.

Although rare, bladder infection in males can sometimes be caused by fungi or other parasites.

Predisposing Factors for Bladder Infection in Men

While bladder infections and UTIs in general are not very common in men, some factors can increase the risk. These include:

• Circumcision Circumcised men are less likely to develop a bladder infection than their uncircumcised counterparts.
• Age Due to enlargement of the prostate gland, men who are 50 years and above are more likely to contract bladder infection.
• Pre-existing conditions Conditions such as kidney stones can cause blockages that would increase the risk of an infection.
• Anal sex Anal sex increases the risk of getting sexually-transmitted UTIs.
• Disruption in the normal flow of urine caused by a catheter When the flow of urine is disrupted, it is difficult to wash away the microbes.
• A weak immune system caused by conditions like HIV or diabetes

Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Irritable Bladder

There are a number of irritable bladder symptoms however, the primary signs are centered on urine output. Living with bladder irritation symptoms is not only uncomfortable but can be socially awkward for people who find themselves having to rush to the washroom multiple times a day.

Heres a list of some of the common bladder irritation symptoms:

• Discomfort in abdomen
• Sudden, urgent need to urinate
• Accidental voiding
• Burning urination

Diagnosing an irritable bladder begins with a full patient history and a physical examination. Some doctors suggest that the patient keep a diary to record the time, amount, as well as the circumstances around voiding of the bladder. Catheterization of the bladder to measure urine remaining in the bladder, as well as testing bladder pressure following voiding is also possible.

An examination of a urine sample is common practice, as it can quickly determine whether or not an infection is an underlying issue.

There is something called a Q-tip test that evaluates the change in the angle of the urethra at rest and when straining that can assist doctors in diagnosing bladder problems. A cystoscopy, which is a lighted scope, can view the bladder, and a voiding cystogram is an x-ray that is taken while the patient is urinating.

Read Also: When Is Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

Oh My Aching Bladder: Is It A Uti Or Ic

OH MY ACHING BLADDER: IS IT A UTI OR IC?

One in five women will have at least one urinary tract infection in her lifetime, according to the National Kidney Foundation. And, if youve ever had a urinary tract infection, you are all too familiar with the burning urination and constant feeling of needing to go to the bathroom. But, did you know that some of the symptoms of a UTI are similar or the same as symptoms women experience when they have interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome? How is a woman to know if its a UTI or painful bladder syndrome?

What is a Urinary Tract Infection ?

A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract, most commonly affecting the bladder and the urethra . When bacteria gets into the urethra and travels to the bladder, a UTI is often the result. With a UTI, the bladder lining also becomes red, swollen and inflamed.

Common symptoms of a UTI include:

• Urinary urgency or the feeling that you need to urinate often. You may have to run to the bathroom several times per hour only to find you urinate only a few drops.
• A burning sensation when urinating.
• Abdominal pain, pelvic pressure and/or lower back pain. You may experience lower abdominal discomfort, bloating and/or feel pressure in the lower pelvic area, especially when urinating.
• Blood in the urine. Urine can appear to have a reddish or dark orange tiny, which signifies blood in the urine from the infection.
• Cloudy urine that has an odor
• Fever and/or chills

Treating IC