Bladder related disorders cause millions to see their doctor annually seeking relief from bladder pain caused by one of the bladder problems described in this article.
Pain Caused by a Bladder Infection
There have been a number of studies done indicating that a bladder infection is one of most common problems reported to doctors by their patients.
Some people refer to a bladder infection as a “UTI” or urinary tract infection. The common medical name is cystitis.
Many people don’t realize that most of the time there are no germs in the bladder. But it’s possible for bacteria to get into the urethra (the tube that connects the vagina or penis to the bladder) and make their way farther up into the urinary tract.
While a UTI most often causes bladder pain, it can also migrate upward to the kidneys, causing a dangerous kidney infection.
Symptoms of a bladder infection include:
- stinging, burning discomfort during urination
- discomfort or tenderness in the abdomen
- an urgent feeling that you need to urinate
- Urine may be dark and cloudy or even tinged with blood. It may smell particularly unpleasant.
- a low grade fever is probable.
Pain and other symptoms from a bladder infection usually pass in a day or two when treated with antibiotics.
When you have a bladder infection, you can also treat yourself by drinking a lot of fluids. This helps flush bacteria from your bladder, and keeps more from growing.
Interstitial Cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome
Another disorder that causes bladder pain and related symptoms is known as interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome. It is often abbreviated simply to “IC.” Researchers believe IC may be the result of a defect in the wall of the bladder .
Interstitial cystitis causes inflammation and irritation in the bladder. The bladder wall hardens due to the inflammation, which causes bladder pain and several other symptoms.
Pelvic pain is also a common symptom of painful bladder syndrome. Patients often describe this pain, which which can vary between very mild and very severe, as a burning sensation.
Those with IC are likely to need to urinate more often than usual, or feel an urgency to urinate. The pain is most acute when the bladder is full and goes away after urination.
It’s estimated that approximately one million Americans have IC. Women seem to have the highest risk of getting this condition, but it can also occur in men and children.
Painful bladder syndrome is usually a chronic condition that can have an adverse impact on the patient’s quality of life.
Patients who have symptoms of painful bladder syndrome find relief from a medication called Pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron). It is the only oral drug that is FDA-approved for treating interstitial cystitis, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Some patients have reported that drugs called antihistamine hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax), and the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline (Elavil) have given them some relief.
If your symptoms are not severe, over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen may help.
Bladder Cancer
The medical name for the most common kind of bladder cancer is transitional cell carcinoma. It originates in the innermost layer of tissue lining the bladder.
Bladder pain is a typical symptom, but an individual who has bladder cancer may also have the following:
- urine that is very dark and tinged with blood,
- painful urination,
- an urgent need to urinate often.
- back pain.
Bladder Pain Symptoms – a Final Thought
You are much more likely to have a bladder infection than either of the other two conditions mentioned above because bladder infections are so common.
So, in most cases, bladder pain symptoms can be easily treated.
Nonetheless, once you start having any type of bladder pain or discomfort, you should call or make an appointment with your doctor.