Treatments for urinary pain may vary based on the primary cause of discomfort. In many cases, simply increasing fluid intake and avoiding certain foods may be all that is needed. Other times, medication or other medical interventions may be necessary to treat the underlying causes of urinary pain.
The most common cause for pain within the urinary tract is a bladder or urinary tract infection (UTI). These are generally easily treated with oral antibiotics. In some mild cases of infection, an increase in water intake combined with cranberry juice or tablets may take care of the infection without the use of drugs. Water helps to flush bacteria out of the urinary tract, while cranberries have been shown to prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder, thus preventing a recurrence of infection.
Certain foods such as caffeine and those with spicy ingredients may irritate the sensitive lining of the bladder. Those who have a history of urinary pain should avoid such irritants. Keeping track of flare-ups in pain along with a daily chart of foods that were consumed may help pinpoint which items are causing the irritation.
Other treatments for urinary pain include over the counter (OTC) medications. Phenazopyridine is commonly used to treat urinary discomfort, and it is sold as many name brand medications in most pharmacies. Most brands suggest taking phenazopyridine three times a day with meals. Side effects are common, and may include dizziness, headache, and upset stomach or nausea. More serious side effects such as fever, skin irritation, jaundice, swelling, shortness of breath, or confusion should be reported to a doctor immediately. They could signal an allergic reaction.
Most OTC medications are not meant to treat the causes of urinary discomfort and pain, so diagnosis and permanent treatments for urinary pain should be discussed with a doctor. In most cases an infection or irritation will be to blame, but in some rare cases the cause may be something more serious. Bladder or kidney cancer, for example, may cause urinary discomfort in later stages of the disease. To increase treatment effectiveness, these diseases should be treated as soon as possible.
Pain relief during and after treatment for various urinary cancers can include the use of heating pads and pain medication. A catheter may be inserted to help relieve the bladder of having to hold urine. The type of treatment used will depend on the severity of the pain and any potential drug interactions.
Kidney stones are another common cause of urinary pain. These are generally harmless, but can cause a great deal of pain until they are passed from the system. Prescription pain medication may be used to alleviate or lessen pain.
Most treatments for urinary pain are used in combination with treatments used to combat the cause of discomfort. Any urinary symptoms should be checked by a doctor, and then closely monitored to be sure the cause of the pain or discomfort is properly healed. Home remedies, such as cranberry juice, are effective in treating mild infections, but the condition should still be monitored by a health care provider.
