Painful Bladder Syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis)

Interstitial Cystitis (painful bladder syndrome) is chronic condition which is non-microbial inflammation of the bladder.

It is a difficult disease to diagnose and treat, which seriously impairs the quality of life. The reason has not been clarified. It was thought that there could be any cause that may induce damage to the bladder mucosa (autoimmune, infectious, etc.).

Painful Bladder Syndrome Symptoms

• It is typical for the patient to have unbearable suprapubic (under-belly area) pain when urinating.
• Moreover, this feeling is mostly realized with less urine volume than normal individuals and bladder capacity is decreased.
• Frequent urination, persistent urge to urinate, and a feeling of urine even after urination, as in overactive bladder disease, are also common.

How is Interstitial Cystitis Diagnosed?

The patient's history and complaints are very important in the diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis. Diagnosis is made by performing one or more of the tests such as physical examination, urinalysis and urine culture, cystoscopy (bladder endoscopy),uroflowmetry and urodynamics.

Interstitial Cystitis Treatment

Making some lifestyle changes is essential for painful bladder syndrome. It is known that some foods and beverages, in particular, exacerbate the symptoms of this disease.

It is difficult to give a general diet list, as the foods and beverages that increase symptoms may be different for each patient. However, citrus fruits, tea, caffeinated beverages, tomatoes, spicy foods, acidic beverages, fortified fruit juices, ketchup and mustard have been experienced to increase these symptoms in most patients.

Dietary recommendations are sometimes not sufficient and medical treatment may be required. Pentosan polysulfate sodium and antihistamines are the most commonly used agents.

Some drug treatments applied with a catheter into the bladder have also been found to be successful in relieving symptoms. Intra-bladder botox application in patients resistant to these treatments, sacral neuromodulation, and bladder removal surgery (cystectomy) in more resistant cases are other treatment steps.

Note: Page contents are for informational purposes only and a doctor's application is required for your diagnosis and treatment.