Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Are lifestyle modifications of value in the management of interstitial cystitis?
Diet
There is no scientific evidence linking diet to PBS/IC, but doctors and patients
believe that certain foods, including alcohol, spices, chocolate, and caffeinated
and citrus beverages, may contribute to bladder irritation and inflammation. Foods containing acid,
for example, carbonated beverages, tomatoes, vitamin C, citrus
fruits and beverages, vinegar, cranberries, strawberries, grapes, guava, mango,
and pineapple also are believed to aggravate PBS/IC. Other foods
that may increase symptoms because they contain the natural chemical tyramine
include wine, beer, cheese, nuts, yogurt, bananas, soy sauce, chicken livers,
raisins, sour cream, avocados, canned figs, corned beef, fava beans, brewers'
yeast, and chocolate.
Some patients with PBS/IC also have noticed a worsening of symptoms after eating or
drinking products containing artificial sweeteners. Patients may try eliminating
such products from their diet and, if there is a reduction of symptoms, they can
reintroduce them one at a time to determine which product seems to be
aggravating their symptoms.
Smoking
Many PBS/IC patients feel that smoking
worsens their symptoms. (Because smoking is the major known cause of bladder
cancer, one of the best things a smoker can do for the bladder is to quit smoking.)
Exercise
Many PBS/IC patients feel that regular
exercise helps relieve symptoms and, in some cases, hastens remission.
Bladder training
People who have found some relief from pain may then be able to reduce
frequency using bladder training techniques. Methods vary but basically the
patient decides to urinate at designated times and uses relaxation techniques
and distractions to help keep to the schedule. Gradually, the patient lengthens
the time between urinations. A diary usually is helpful in keeping track of
progress.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the kidney, ureter, bladder, and/or urethra. Not
everyone with a UTI has symptoms. Common symptoms include a frequent urge to
urinate and a painful, burning when urinating.
E. coli is the most common cause of bladder infections. Bladder infection symptoms and signs include frequent urination, burning urination, and foul smelling urine. Mild bladder infections may go away by increasing one's intake of fluid. More severe infections may be treated with a few days of antibiotics.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common in children. Symptoms and signs include fever and abdominal pain. Associated symptoms and signs include flank pain, vomiting, and blood in the urine. Treatment for a UTI involves antibiotic therapy.
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
People who have bladder spasms, the sensation occurs suddenly and often severely. A spasm itself is the sudden, involuntary squeezing of a muscle. A bladder spasm, or "detrusor contraction," occurs when the bladder muscle squeezes suddenly without warning, causing an urgent need to release urine. The spasm can force urine from the bladder, causing leakage. When this happens, the condition is called urge incontinence or overactive bladder.
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