In the early phase of IC the symptom flares are intermittent in most patients. Over time symptoms increase and pain cycles may appear and last for 3-14 days. When these cycles become more frequent and last longer they are likely to be referred to a specialist.
-Drinking plenty of fluids: This will help to keep the urine diluted and reduce irritation. -Taking over-the-counter pain medication: This can help to relieve pain and inflammation. Tylenol is better than Motrin or Advil. -Using a heating pad: This can help to soothe pain and cramping.
Place your knees against your chest, reclining with spread legs or adopting a squatting position. This will help to relax your pelvic muscles. Drink a glass of water mixed with one teaspoon of baking soda to help to reduce burning sensations. Consult your doctor first if you are on a salt-restricted diet.
Interstitial cystitis signs and symptoms include: Pain in your pelvis or between the vagina and anus in women. Pain between the scrotum and anus (perineum) in men. Chronic pelvic pain.
Coffee, soda, alcohol, tomatoes, hot and spicy foods, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, citrus juices and drinks, MSG, and high-acid foods can trigger IC symptoms or make them worse.
Genetic and immune disorders, recurrent bacterial infections, and pelvic floor dysfunction are possible factors that can lead to this condition. Excessive frequency of urination, urinary urgency, and urethra, bladder or pelvic pain are common symptoms.
Antihistamines for IC/BPS
Though the most widely used antihistamine to treat IC/BPS is hydroxyzine, some people with IC/BPS find relieve from Claritin, Benadryl, and Singulair.
Ural Daily Supplement High Strength Cranberry 60,000 mg capsules support urinary tract health. This concentrated cranberry extract supplement helps reduce the occurrence of medically diagnosed cystitis, assists in the flushing of the urinary tract and the maintenance of urinary tract health.
The most proven treatment for interstitial cystitis is natural. Pelvic floor physical therapy resolves IC symptoms naturally and gets to the underlying 'why' of symptoms for lasting relief. Natural supplements and remedies have also been tested and proven to help those with IC.
What foods calm the bladder? The American Urological Association also recognizes some foods as potentially having a calming effect on sensitive bladders. These foods include pears, bananas, green beans, squash, potatoes, lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, bread, and eggs.
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.
End-stage interstitial cystitis is defined as a hard bladder that triggers intense pain and possesses very low bladder capacity. What is this? Many cases of end-stage interstitial cystitis involve Hunner's ulcers. Also known as “end-stage IC”, only about 5% of IC patients develop this severe condition.
As your bladder starts to fill, you may feel pain—rather than just discomfort—that gets worse until you urinate. The pain usually improves for a while once you empty your bladder. People with IC rarely have constant bladder pain. The pain may go away for weeks or months and then return.
Exercise can release endorphins, which are like nature's painkillers. Be careful to not place pressure on the bladder as vigorous exercise can backfire and make symptoms worse. Long walks are great. Swimming and water aerobics are terrific because the bladder feels nicely supported when you're in the pool.
The mast cells further increase the local inflammation and pain. The antihistamine blocks histamine release and decreases the attraction of the mast cells. An antidepressant is commonly used in chronic pain to decrease the sensitivity of the brain to the chronic painful stimulus.
Be in a relaxed position while urinating.
Relaxing the muscles around the bladder will make it easier to empty the bladder. For women, hovering over the toilet seat may make it hard to relax, so it is best to sit on the toilet seat.
Medication. Types of oral medication include muscle relaxants such as Oxybutynin which can calm the contractions of the bladder muscle – also used for an overactive bladder. Anti-inflammatories such as Diclofenac can reduce the inflammation and antihistamines such as hydroxyzine can be used.
In some people, however, certain antidepressants link, sinus medicines, and pain relievers may trigger symptom flares. Talk with your health care professional if these medicines make your IC worse. Long-term use of pain medicines can be dangerous.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine constitute a safe and effective treatment to improve the symptoms associated with both bacterial and interstitial cystitis, focusing on creating a stronger immune system and restoring the body's natural healing mechanisms.
Most Bothersome Foods. There are certain items that are more likely to trigger IC/BPS flares: Coffee (caffeinated and decaffeinated), tea (caffeinated and decaffeinated), soda, alcohol, citrus juices, and cranberry juice. Foods and beverages containing artificial sweeteners.
Epstein-Barr Virus as a Potential Etiology of Persistent Bladder Inflammation in Human Interstitial Cystits/Bladder Pain Syndrome.
The discomfort of interstitial cystitis can be nothing more than a burning sensation that is mild, or it can be severe pain. This discomfort can be steady, or it can fluctuate.
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic, often debilitating, clinical syndrome of urinary frequency, urgency, and pelvic pain. The condition is typified by exacerbations, remissions, and varying degrees of symptom severity, though most patients present with several months or years of symptoms.