For example, an elimination diet of bladder irritants, decreasing dietary acid load, and urinary alkalinization with baking soda or potassium citrate has been an effective treatment for many IC patients. Also, a steady intake of water helps to dilute urine and reduce constipation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), to relieve pain. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or imipramine (Tofranil), to help relax your bladder and block pain.
The cause of interstitial cystitis (IC) is unknown. Researchers are looking at many theories to understand the causes of IC and find the best treatments. Most people with IC find that certain foods make their symptoms worse.
Magnesium - Magnesium has a variety of effects in the body. It can help relieve constipation, reduces inflammation, supports muscle health and can help reduce anxiety in some studies. Obviously all of these are potentially beneficial to patients with IC!
Amitriptyline is the medication most commonly prescribed for interstitial cystitis. Elmiron is the only oral drug approved by the FDA specifically for interstitial cystitis. It improves the bladder lining, making it less leaky and therefore less inflamed and painful.
Drink more fluids, such as water, to help flush out the infection. Put a warm hot water bottle on your lower tummy to help ease any discomfort. Try to rest as much as possible. Don't drink too much caffeine (e.g. in tea and coffee), alcohol or acidic drinks (e.g. fruit juices), as these may make your symptoms worse.
Foods to eat
Fruits: bananas, apricots, blueberries, dates, melons, prunes, pears, raisins. Vegetables: avocados, asparagus, broccoli, beets, eggplant, peas, mushrooms, spinach. Grains: oats, rice. Proteins: beef, lamb, pork, poultry, fish, eggs.
Pentosan polysulfate sodium is the only FDA-approved oral medication for interstitial cystitis. The drug binds to the walls of the bladder, helping replace and repair the lining. Symptom improvement can take up to six months, but several studies have shown moderately positive results.
Best Probiotics for Cystitis
Both Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1® and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14® can be found in Optibac Probiotics For Women.
-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.
Avoid drinking cranberry juice as this will make Interstitial Cystitis symptoms worse as the bladder is inflamed without a bacterial infection present.
There's no known cure for interstitial cystitis (IC), but there are ways that we can help you manage your pain during a flare-up. For example, spot medications like ibuprofen can help with the inflammation in your bladder.
Bladder instillation for interstitial cystitis (also called a bladder wash or bath), a procedure in which the bladder is filled with a therapeutic solution that is retained in the bladder for varying periods of time, from a few seconds to 15 minutes, before it is drained through a catheter.
There is however, one nationally distributed brand that most of us have no problem with: Evian. Imported from France and slightly alkaline, it's a favorite with IC patients all across America.
Honey is certainly considered IC friendly when consumed in small amounts. IC patients have shared a variety of experiences after eating honey in general. Most tolerate it quite well according to a discussion in the ICN Support Forum.
Patients with IC often avoid Vitamin C as it tends to flare symptoms. More sensitive patients avoid multivitamins as it is difficult to find one without vitamin C. Those patients who have their IC more under control can tolerate some specially buffered Vitamin C and benefit from the IC Multi.
Christensen notes that drinking lemon water may worsen symptoms for people suffering from certain bladder issues. "For those with interstitial cystitis (often called painful bladder syndrome), if symptoms are present, lemon water might not be the best idea for everyone," says Christensen.
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.
Antibiotics have been shown to be fast and effective in treating uncomplicated cystitis. The pain and burning usually get better within one to three days and then go away completely a short time later.
Hydroxyzine hydrochloride is an antihistamine that is used for treating allergic and inflammatory skin conditions – it can be used in the treatment of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome as it blocks the chemicals that can cause inflammation.
Cystitis painkillers
You can take over the counter medicines, such as aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain caused by cystitis.
Heat Heat is an effective tool used to reduce pain from interstitial cystitis. I sometimes will instruct my patients to use two heating pads. One heating pad goes over your bladder and the other heating pad goes over your low back. This heat can sandwich the bladder and calm pain.
Curcumin: Curcumin, one of the most potent bioactive compounds in turmeric, is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. New studies show that curcumin can help treat the inflammation that leads to interstitial cystitis and its symptoms.