Interstitial cystitis, also called painful bladder syndrome, is a painful condition affecting the walls of the bladder. Bladder walls stiffen and become scarred, resulting in pain in the bladder and pelvic region. There is no cure for interstitial cystitis, but treatments are available to relieve painful symptoms.
Diet
Certain foods and beverages irritate the bladder lining. Discovering which food items cause pain in your bladder is determined by using an elimination diet and food diary. Avoid acidic foods and drinks such as oranges, tomatoes, alcohol and coffee. Spicy or pickled foods, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, tomato-based foods and tea should also be eliminated. After a two-week period, reintroduce these foods one by one. Record how you feel several hours after drinking or eating. This helps you determine which foods and drinks cause pain in your bladder.
Oral Medications
Pain relief for interstitial cystitis may be relieved through oral pain medications. Start with over-the-counter medications such as Advil or Motrin to reduce inflammation and pain in the bladder. Take antihistamines such as Benadryl to relieve symptoms of frequency and urgency. Antidepressants such as amtriptyline block pain signals to the brain. Elmiron is the only FDA approved drug for interstitial cystitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. The drug is believed to restore the bladder surface and in turn protect bladder walls, relieving pain. It may take up to six months to feel any improvement from this medication.
Bladder Instillations
Bladder instillations or bladder washes are an injection of liquid medicine called DMSO into your bladder. Prescription medicine is injected through a catheter into your bladder. Medicine remains in the bladder for up to 15 minutes, then is expelled through urination. Weekly treatments are performed in your doctor's office for six to eight weeks. The medicine heals the bladder lining, relieving pain, inflammation, frequency and urgency.
Nerve Stimulation
Pain may be relieved through electrical currents administered to your body. A machine called a TENS unit delivers small electrical currents to the pelvic region. Place two small electrodes from the unit on your pelvic region above the pubic area. Turn the unit on and you may feel a tingling sensation as small electrical currents pass through your body. The electrical currents interrupt pain signals, blocking them from the brain. Sessions may last a few minutes to a few hours, several times a day, depending on the severity of your pain. Portable units are available so you may use the device at home, work, or on vacation.
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