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Help for Cystitis

Cystitis, or bladder inflammation, is a painful condition that causes mild to extreme inflammation and pain in the bladder. Early treatment is important because inflammation leads to infection, which can infect the nearby kidneys. Cystitis is commonly characterized as bacterial or interstitial--bacterial is caused by bacteria infecting the bladder, whereas interstitial cystitis' origins are still being investigated by scientists. Each type of cystitis is managed through drugs and therapy.

  1. Bacterial Cystitis Treatments

    • Bacterial cystitis is treated by using antibiotics and pain medication. According to the Bladder and Bowel Foundation, antibiotics stop cystitis by erradicating the bacteria causing the infection. Pain medications, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol, helps decrease pain caused by cystitis, such as soreness in the lower back or abdomen.

    Interstitial Cystitis: Bladder Therapies

    • Interstitial Cystitis is treated by reducing or eliminating its symptoms. Current treatments available include techniques that fill the bladder, called bladder distention and bladder instillation. Bladder distention is performed by filling the bladder with a gas or liquid, distending the bladder. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), this interferes with pain signals, reducing pain caused by interstitial cystitis. Bladder installation reduces inflammation and reduces pain by temporarily filling the bladder with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for 10 to 15 minutes. The solution is emptied by urinating. Both treatments can reduce the symptoms of interstitial cystitis within two to four weeks.

    Interstitial Cystitis: Electric Nerve Stimulation

    • Another treatment used to treat interstitial cystitis is electric nerve stimulation, which stimulates the nerve leading to the bladder. The device is placed on the lower back or above the pubic bone and delivers electrical pulses through the skin, increasing blood flow to the bladder and triggering the release of chemicals that blocks cystitis pain. The device can also be placed in the vagina or rectum. Improvement in symptoms occurs within three to four months.

    Interstitial Cystitis: Medications

    • Oral medications, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC), can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with interstitial cystitis. The only FDA-approved drug for treating interstitial cystitis is pentosan polysulfate sodium, which clears up symptoms within six months.

      OTC medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, also reduce mild discomfort and pain. For stronger pain and inflammation, tricylic antidepressants and acetaminophen can help reduce pain.

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