Cystitis; noninfectious (acute urethral syndrome)
Treatment:
Treatment of noninfectious cystitis centers on management of symptoms rather than providing a cure.
MEDICATIONS:
Noninfectious cystitis is often treated with anticholinergic drugs that improve bladder contraction and emptying. Possible side effects include slowed heart rate, low blood pressure, and stomach discomfort.
Sometimes, muscle relaxants (such as diazepam) and alpha 1-blockers (prazosin) may be used to decrease the symptoms of urgency (strong urge to urinate) and frequency (need to urinate frequently).
SURGERY:
Surgical interventions are rarely performed unless an individual experiences severe urinary retention, or significant hematuria (blood in the urine).
DIET:
Avoid fluids that irritate the bladder, such as alcohol, citrus juices, and caffeine.
OTHER THERAPY:
Electrical stimulation to fatigue the spastic bladder muscle contractions, and thus reduce the symptoms of urgency or frequency is being investigated as a treatment for noninfectious cystitis.
Bladder retraining exercises to reestablish a pattern of regular and complete urination may be recommended. Bladder retraining is achieved by developing a schedule of times when you should try to urinate, while trying consciously to delay urination in between these times. One method is to force yourself to urinate every one to one and one-half hours, despite any leakage or urge to urinate in between these times. As you become skilled at waiting this long, gradually increase the time intervals by one-half hour until you are urinating every three to four hours.
Pelvic muscle strengthening exercises called Kegel exercises are used primarily to treat people with stress incontinence. However, these exercises may also be beneficial in relieving the symptoms of urgency related to chronic noninfectious cystitis. The success of Kegel exercises depends on proper technique and adherence to a regular exercise program.
MONITORING:
If the cystitis is related to radiation therapy or chemotherapy, serial urinalysis and cystoscopy (use of lighted instrument to look inside the bladder) exams may be necessary to evaluate possible complications.
Expectations (prognosis):
Although most cases of cystitis are uncomfortable, they usually resolve over time.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms indicate cystitis may be present, symptoms worsen, or new symptoms develop, especially fever, back or flank pain, and vomiting.
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