What is Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis?
Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS), also known as interstitial Cystitis (IC), is a chronic condition that affects the urinary system. Inflammation of the bladder wall characterises it and can cause varying degrees of pain and discomfort. This condition is also known as interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome, which are basically the same.
However, the term “painful bladder syndrome” is often used to describe cases where there is no visible inflammation in the bladder.
Causes of Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
The exact cause of PBS/IC is still unknown. Researchers believe it may be because of damage to the bladder lining, autoimmune disorders, and nerve issues. Certain factors can also contribute to the development of PBS/IC such as:
A person with a family history of PBS/IC may have a higher risk of developing the condition.
Hormonal fluctuations in women can also trigger symptoms of PBS/IC, leading to speculation that estrogen plays a role in this condition.
Certain foods and drinks, stress, and infections can also exacerbate PBS/IC symptoms.
Symptoms of Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis main symptom is that of pain either in the lower abdomen, above the pubis, perineum, lower back, vulva & vagina in the women, associated with the filling and deflating of the bladder (in the absence of any infection).
- pelvic pain
- frequent and urgent urination
- discomfort during sexual intercourse
- blood in the urine
These symptoms can greatly impact a person’s daily life, affecting their work, relationships, and mental health.
Diagnosing of Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
Diagnosing painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis can be challenging as there is no specific test for it. A combination of tests may be necessary, including a physical exam, medical history review, and urine tests to rule out other conditions. It is essential to seek help from a healthcare professional familiar with PBS to accurately diagnose this condition.
Treatment Options for Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
After a diagnosis is made, the treatment involves pain relief, re-establishing the GAG layer and controlling urinary symptoms. This helps patients to reclaim their life back and improve their quality of life.
Treatment options for painful bladder syndrome include the following:
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin are recommended to help reduce the pain and inflammation in the bladder.
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline or imipramine are used to help manage symptoms of painful bladder syndrome, particularly for those who also have associated conditions like interstitial cystitis.
- Antihistamines such as hydroxyzine or diphenhydramine can also help reduce the severity of symptoms such as urinary urgency and frequency in those with painful bladder syndrome.
Always follow your doctor’s instructions and never exceed recommended doses when taking medications for painful bladder syndrome.
Physical therapy can be beneficial for managing painful bladder syndrome. Your therapist can help improve bladder function and reduce pain using exercises and techniques. These may include pelvic floor rehab, bladder training, stretching and biofeedback.
Some patients complain of worsening painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis symptoms upon consuming certain types of food (such as oranges, tomatoes and other acidic foodstuffs). A change in diet appears to significantly reduce unpleasant symptoms. These include:
- Avoiding trigger foods and drinks: Common triggers include caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic fruits and juices.
- Quitting smoking: Smoking can worsen symptoms of painful bladder syndrome.
- Bladder training: This involves gradually increasing the interval between urination to train the bladder to hold more urine.
- Stress management: Stress can exacerbate symptoms of painful bladder syndrome, so finding healthy ways to manage stress is important.
It can help in very severe recalcitrant cases of PBS/IC. PTNS is a treatment that stimulates the tidal nerve in the lower leg with gentle electrical impulses. Non-invasive and shows promise as a therapy option.
A fine needle is placed near a nerve in the leg. This needle sends signals to the spine. These signals affect the pathways related to bladder function. These treatment sessions usually take only 30 minutes and are scheduled in a series.
In rare cases, surgery may be recommended for painful bladder syndrome. This is usually only considered when all other treatment options have failed and symptoms are severely impacting quality of life. Surgery options may include:
- Bladder distension: A procedure to stretch the bladder that can provide temporary relief from symptoms.
- Fulguration: A minimally invasive procedure where a cystoscope is used to remove ulcers or lesions in the bladder.
- Bladder augmentation: A surgery where a piece of bowel is used to enlarge the bladder, increasing its capacity.
- Urinary diversion: A procedure that reroutes urine from the bladder using a surgically created opening in the abdominal wall.
You should discuss all treatment options with your doctor and work together to find the best approach for managing your painful bladder syndrome.
How can I prevent bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis?
The exact cause of this condition is not fully understood, making it difficult to prevent. However, there are steps you can take to help manage and possibly prevent flare-ups.
Certain foods and beverages have been known to trigger bladder pain syndrome symptoms. These include spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners. Keeping a food diary can help you identify which foods may be causing your symptoms and avoid them in the future.
Drinking more water is important for flushing out irritants in the bladder, even if you have bladder pain syndrome. You should drink 8 glasses of water a day.
Stress can worsen symptoms of bladder pain syndrome, so it is important to find ways to manage/reduce stress in your life. This can include exercise, meditation, deep breathing techniques, or talking to a therapist.
Smoking can irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms of bladder pain syndrome. If you are a smoker, quitting can not only improve your overall health but also help manage your condition.
Bladder training is a technique where you gradually increase the time between bathroom breaks to help train your bladder to hold more urine. This can be helpful for those with bladder pain syndrome, as it can decrease the frequency of bathroom trips and reduce discomfort.
Some supplements have shown promise in managing bladder pain syndrome symptoms. However, always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your current treatment plan or starting any new medications.
