If you have ever experienced bladder irritation, you understand the pain and problems associated with it. A major cause of bladder irritation is cystitis. Inflammation of the bladder can be caused by other factors, including a bladder infection and the food and drink you consume.
Cause
Many foods can irritate the bladder. Diuretic foods, such as coffee or alcohol, have a tendency to irritate the bladder because of the amount of fluid the bladder has to continually hold. Citrus fruits also can cause irritation, due to their acidity. However, according to MayoClinic.com, it is unclear why these foods cause irritation in some people but not others. Spicy foods and carbonated drinks have also been linked to bladder irritation.
Symptoms
Bladder irritations can bring feelings of urgency and discomfort while voiding. There is often a stinging pain while urinating and Medline Plus claims you also can experience pain while having intercourse. In severe cases, blood may be found in the urine. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a physician to see if you have an irritated bladder. If symptoms occur only after eating certain foods, let your physician know.
Tests
A doctor can perform a urinalysis, or he may even order a cystoscopy of your bladder. to determine the cause of the irritation. If food is the suspected cause, your doctor may come up with a plan to evaluate what you eat and when you develop pain.
Treatment
If your doctor is able to establish which foods are causing your bladder irritation, he may recommend you limit what you eat. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, alcohol, citrus juices and caffeine are among items you may have to avoid.
Considerations
Talk with your doctor about any bladder problems. Bladder irritations can cause more damage if left untreated or ignored.
