What is the best pain medication for interstitial cystitis?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), to relieve pain. Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or imipramine (Tofranil), to help relax your bladder and block pain.
Does oxybutynin help with interstitial cystitis?
For interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder patients struggling with intense urinary frequency and urgency, physicians often prescribe anticholinergic medications such as Amitryptiline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil) or Nortryptiline (Pamelor), Oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oytrol) or Tolteradine (Detrol).
How do I treat myself with interstitial cystitis?
With time, you and your doctor should be able to find a treatment that gives you some relief and helps you cope with IC.
- Lifestyle changes. Change your eating and drinking habits.
- Bladder training.
- Bowel training.
- Physical therapy.
- Medicines.
- Bladder instillation.
- Bladder stretching.
- Surgery.
Can IC be worse at night?
Patients may experience bladder symptoms that only happen or are worse at night. These symptoms include waking up once or more overnight to urinate (nocturia) and incontinence.
How did I get interstitial cystitis?
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis isn’t known, but it’s likely that many factors contribute. For instance, people with interstitial cystitis may also have a defect in the protective lining (epithelium) of the bladder. A leak in the epithelium may allow toxic substances in urine to irritate your bladder wall.
What is end stage interstitial cystitis?
End-stage interstitial cystitis is defined as a hard bladder that triggers intense pain and possesses very low bladder capacity. Many cases of end-stage interstitial cystitis involve Hunner’s ulcers. Also known as “end-stage IC”, only about 5% of IC patients develop this severe condition.
What aggravates interstitial cystitis?
Coffee, soda, alcohol, tomatoes, hot and spicy foods, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, citrus juices and drinks, MSG, and high-acid foods can trigger IC symptoms or make them worse.
Does interstitial cystitis ever go away?
For about half the cases, interstitial cystitis goes away by itself. Among those who need treatment, most find relief and get their lives back to normal.
What is the root cause of interstitial cystitis?
What triggers interstitial cystitis? The medical community does not agree on exactly what triggers interstitial cystitis. However, potential causes include autoimmunity, trauma, infections, inflammation, and certain food triggers.
What makes interstitial cystitis worse?
Coffee, soda, caffeinated beverages, tomatoes, spicy foods, high-acid foods, citrus, and MSG can all trigger IC symptoms. If you have a flare, journal what you ate prior to it.
Does drinking lots of water help interstitial cystitis?
While it’s generally a good idea to drink plenty of water, not everyone with IC agrees: “Some people find that when they drink less, they have fewer painful trips to the bathroom ,” says Dr. Goldman.
Can a urine test detect interstitial cystitis?
There may also be pressure, pain, and soreness around the bladder, pelvis, and the area between the anus and vagina (women) or the anus and scrotum (men). There is no best way to diagnose IC. A variety of tests may be needed. These include urine tests, imaging tests, and biopsy.