Painful Bladder Syndrome, also known as interstitial cystitis, is characterized by an inflammation of the bladder wall, which is the wall that lines the urinary tract, which can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, urgency to urinate, increased urination and need waking up at night to urinate.
This syndrome can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases or other conditions, and treatment usually consists of the use of medications, changes in diet and lifestyle and the adoption of certain measures. In more rare cases, surgery may be necessary.
What symptoms
Symptoms that can occur in people with painful bladder syndrome are pelvic pain, urgency to urinate, increased urination, and the need to wake up at night to urinate. In some cases, the woman may also experience pain during intercourse and pain in the vagina.
Possible causes
It is not yet known for sure what causes this syndrome, but it is thought that it may be related to the development of bacterial infections, which is one of the main causes, autoimmune diseases, neurogenic inflammation and altered epithelial permeability.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for painful Bladder Syndrome consists of altering bad eating habits, which can contribute to mitigate symptoms that are triggered by very acid, spicy and potassium-rich foods. In addition, the practice of physical exercise, the reduction of stress, the realization of hot baths, the reduction of caffeine and the use of cigarettes also contribute to mitigate the symptoms.
Physiotherapy can help to relax the pelvic floor muscles in people suffering from spasms.
Pharmacological treatment may consist of using some of the following medications:
- Non-steroidal analgesics and anti-inflammatories and, in more severe cases or where the person cannot take NSAIDs, the doctor may prescribe opioids to relieve pain; Dimethylsulfoxide, which can be applied directly to the bladder; Hyaluronic acid, which is used in order to restore the protective barrier of the tissue that covers a large part of the urinary tract; Amitriptyline, which is an effective tricyclic antidepressant in the treatment of chronic pain; Cimetidine, which also helps to relieve symptoms; Hydroxyzine; Pentosan sodium polysulfate, which acts to restore the glycosaminoglycan layer.
Ultimately, if none of these treatment options are effective, surgery may be necessary.
