What is radiation cystitis?
radiation cystitis is a condition where complications of radiation therapy cause swelling and inflammation of the bladder lining, resulting in pain and reducing the proper function of the bladder. Most often it is a side effect of radiation treatment of tumors in the pelvic area, such as prostate, cervix and bladder. Although this is usually not serious, the condition may range in severity from temporary problems with urination to a more rare overall rebuilding in the function of the bladder that can lead to death. Symptoms of radiation cystitis are not always instant and often may occur months after the completion of radiation therapy.
The condition can be treated with medicines, diet, exercise and in rare cases by surgery. Medicines can be used to improve the process of emptying and bladder contract or to relax muscles so that the patient does not feel the need to eliminate so often. The bladder irritation can be reduced by avoiding caffeine, alcohol or citramer fruit juice. There are thosePelvic and bladder exercises that can help tin the muscles involved in urination, offering better control and smoother, less painful elimination. If a large amount of blood is present in the urine or if the patient has severe urine retention problems, surgery may be required.
Radiation cystitis is most often diagnosed with a combination of urine and cytoscopy testing. Urine analysis can help doctors to determine whether white or red blood cells are in urine, which may indicate the condition. Cytoscopy involves using a light with light at the end to physically examine the inside of the bladder for abnormalities.
Health experts usually organize symptoms of radiation cystitis into two categories: acute and either late phase or chronic. Acute symptoms of the condition tend to be based on inflammation in the dark bladder due to radiation. They include increased urgency and frequency of urination. Between chronicSymptoms of radiation cystitis include ulcers, fistula, incontinence and overall bladder dysfunction.
Other common symptoms of radiation cystitis include pain or burning sensation during urination or lack of ability to adequately empty the bladder. Urine may be overcast or contain a small or large amount of blood. At night there may also be urinary incontinence or frequent urination. Some patients have pain or abdominal pressure in the pan. Urine can also have an unusually unpleasant odor.