Interstitial cystitis, or IC, results in recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and the surrounding pelvic region. The symptoms of IC may range from frequent urination to severe pain and urgency. The cause for IC remains unknown, but certain inflammatory disorders and genetics may contribute to its development. No cure exists for IC, but current treatments help to alleviate the symptoms.
Pain Medications
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications provide pain relief from IC symptoms. A doctor may prescribe narcotic pain relievers to people who experience severe pain from IC or don't get adequate relief from over-the-counter medications. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, tricyclic antidepressants and antihistamines help with both the pain and the frequent urination of IC. Tricyclic antidepressants also help to increase bladder capacity and decrease nocturia, or a frequent need to urinate at night.
Other Medications
Some medications help to relieve symptoms of IC by repairing defects that might have developed in the lining of the bladder. These medications include antispasmodics and muscle relaxants, notes the National Kidney Foundation.
Bladder Distention
Bladder distention is a procedure that expands the bladder to provide pain relief. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains how the procedure works: The doctor uses an instrument called a cystoscope and expands the bladder to its capacity by filling it with liquid or gas. This expansion interferes with the nerves located in the bladder that transmit pain signals. The nerves cannot send their pain signals completely because of the interference. When pain signals from the bladder no longer reach the brain, the patient feels relief. Bladder distention provides temporary pain relief, and pain levels typically return to pre-distention levels or improve within two to four weeks after the procedure.
Bladder Instillation
According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, bladder instillation involves filling the bladder with a solution that the bladder retains for varying periods of time and then empties. The solution contains medications that can boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and block pain. The medicated solution also prevents the muscle contractions that cause urinary frequency and urgency.
Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Electrical nerve stimulation helps to relieve bladder pain in some people with IC, reports the National Kidney Foundation. The electrical pulses used to stimulate the nerves to the bladder come from an outside source and travel through the skin or through an implantable device. With skin stimulation, a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS, unit sits on the skin and sends mild electric pulses through the body. The individual with the device can control when, how long, and at what intensity to run the TENS unit. An implantable device called a sacral nerve stimulation implant provides relief in those with severe IC by delivering regular nerve impulses.
Eliminating Certain Foods
According to the Mayo Clinic, many people with IC find that eliminating or reducing their intake of potential bladder irritants helps to relieve their discomfort. The most irritating foods include carbonated beverages, caffeine in all forms, citrus products and food that contains high concentrations of vitamin C. Tomatoes, pickled foods, alcohol, spices and artificial sweeteners may aggravate symptoms of IC as well.
