Bladder Pain Syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis) Treatment in Ayurveda

Abstract

Bladder pain syndrome also called as interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome is a long standing chronic condition that typically affects the bladder. The bladder pain syndrome is more common in women than men. This condition is likely to affect your sex life and also the mental status. The nature of pain in this condition remains and the reason for the pain remains undiagnosed for long times as it is commonly misunderstood as urinary tract infection. UTI’s due to presence of microorganisms and bladder pain syndrome do not involve any microorganisms. In this article we will understand the reasons for this condition, its Ayurvedic aspect, symptoms and its management according to Ayurveda.

Introduction

Bladder is a hollow shaped muscular structure that is seated in the middle of your pelvis. It behaves like an elastic sac which expands when it fills with urine and then contracts to empty it. It is part of our urinary system. The pain in the bladder is caused by various reasons in both men and women but generally women are the one most commonly affected. Further in this article we will understand and explore the reasons, symptoms and management of bladder pain syndrome.

Causes of Interstitial Cystitis

The cause for this condition is not known but according to some theories this condition can be the result of:

• Defect in bladder lining, it can be the result of recurrent bladder infection.
• Genetic
• Primary neurogenic inflammation
• Spinal cord trauma
• Autoimmune disorders
• Bladder trauma and over stretching
• Pelvic muscle dysfunction
• Allergy

Symptoms

The symptoms in this condition are somewhat similar to bladder infection. The symptoms include:

1. Pain during passage of urine
2. Discomfort in lower abdomen
3. Pain getting worse when bladder is full
4. On palpation, suprapubic region feels tender
5. Lower back pain, pain in pelvic muscles
6. Pain during sexual intercourse
7. Blood in urine due to presence of ulcers or sores in bladder
8. Pain that gets worse especially during menses in females

The character of pain varies from continuous to intermittent. It also depends on the stage of interstitial cystitis.

Stages of Interstitial Cystitis

There are three stages for this condition:

1. Mild: Few symptoms appear and bladder pain is intermittent. Frequent urination and mild urgency. Sextual intercourse is generally discomforting and can result in flare ups.
2. Moderate: The symptom present in mild stage aggravates and frequent flare ups are common. Pain becomes often, urination is painful and abdominal discomfort is typically present. Pain in the lower back and pelvic area are also present.
3. Severe: This stage is associated with numerous flare ups and symptoms aggravation. The bladder pain increases before and during menses. Micturition urgency and frequency is very high along with pain which is of continuous character.

Ayurvedic Aspect of Interstitial Cystitis

• Bastikundal is the correlation, best established for interstitial cystitis in ayurveda. Basti kundal can involve two dosha simultaneously and have predominance of vata dosha.
• If there is involvement of pitta dosha with vata then burning sensation, pain and change in colour of urine are commonly observed.
• If involvement of kapha dosha with vata is there and there is heaviness in the bladder (basti), swelling in basti and the urine passed is dense, slimy and almost hwite in colour.

The symptoms in bastikundal are:

1. Burning sensation in urine
2. Palpation kind of feeling in bladder
3. Pain in basti
4. The urine is passed in drops and when the area is pressed over the bladder then urine is passed in a stream.

This vyadhi is termed as the slow poison that destroys the whole body.

Diagnostic Test

• Urine test: For confirming UTI
• Cystoscopy: Internal imaging of bladder and urethra
• Bladder distension: To check holding capacity of bladder
• Biopsy: Removal of sample tissue to be examined under microscope.

Treatment  

Modern practitioners generally prescribe analgesics for pain relief and muscle relaxants for bladder muscle relaxation like imipramine. But in Ayurved we can manage this condition very well with ayurvedic herbs and herbal formulations. Ayurveda is a science beyond life which  gives us holistic healing with some dietary and lifestyle changes.

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda which is a herbal manufacturing unit has many potent medications that help in management of many conditions. The medications are typically manufactured under the guidance of an expert Ayurvedic doctor so as to avoid any kind of default. The formulations are totally herbal and are totally vegetarian. The formulations in that can be used for the management of bladder pain syndrome are as following:

1. Chanderprabha Vati
2. Chandanadi Vati
3. Punarnava Mandur
4. Varunadi Vati
5. Boswellia Curcumin
   

Products Description

1. Chanderprabha Vati

It is a classical herbal formulation that is manufactured using potent herbs like guggul (Commiphora mukul), ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum), haridra (Curcuma longa), Mustak (Cyprus rotundas), amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and other herbs. These all herbs combinedly show noticeable results in the patient’s condition. They work by reducing the rigidity due to inflammation in the bladder. Due to its anti inflammatory action it helps in painless passage of urine and hence reduces the chances of its further accumulation. It helps in pacifying vitiated vata which is the main reason for this condition.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals.

2. Chandanadi Vati

Chandanadi vati reduces burning sensation due to its key ingredient chandan(Santalum album). Moreover it has amalaki (Emblica officinalis), gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), maricha (Piper cubera) and many others. This formulation also acts as a diuretic due to the presence of herbs like gokshura and is very beneficial in all kinds of urine disorders. Diuretic action removes constriction of bladder musculature and hence provides relief in symptoms. Chandan also reduces the effect of pitta and relaxes the bladder.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals.

3. Punarnava Mandur

This formulation is having rejuvenating effects due to presence of various ingredients like punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), pippali (Piper longum), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), chavya (Piper chaba) and few others. It is a pure herbal formula that works on abdominal organs including the bladder. It strengthens the bladder and reduces the inflammation and also prevents retention of urine. Once the bladder constriction is relieved the urine is easily passed.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals.

4. Varunadi Vati

Varunadi vati has four ingredients, these are punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), gokshura (Tribulus terrestris),  guggul (Commiphora mukul) and varuna (Crataeva nurvala). Varuna, gokshura and punarnava have excellent mutual properties, reduces inflammation in this case and enhances proper functioning of the bladder. It also reduces the pain in this condition and hence works as an analgesic too. It also pacifies kapha and pitta dosha.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals.

5. Boswellia Curcumin

The formulation contains two herbs Boswellia serrata  (Shallaki) and Curcuma longa (Haridra). It acts as an analgesic as well as possess anti inflammatory properties. Reduce the bladder inflammation which is the main cause of pain and radiation of pain. It is a very potent herbal formulation and shows very effective results. This formulation is brilliant in pacifying tridosha and provides soothing effect to the body.

Dosage: Two Capsules twice a day after meals.

Conclusion  

After the detailed discussion about this condition one can easily differentiate between interstitial cystitis and urinary tract infection. The end stage of this condition makes the bladder hard like a stone and this stage is irreversible. One must stay alert and observant if they notice any symptoms and should visit their physician immediately. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com