Bladder Spasms (cont.)

Surgery to the lower abdominal area may weaken the bladder or pelvic floor muscles, or cause damage to the nerves that control the bladder. Bladder spasms may occur following certain surgeries, including:

• Bladder surgery (a common cause of bladder spasms in both children and adults)



• Cesarean section



• Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, or womb, and sometimes the surrounding female organs, including the ovaries and fallopian tubes.)



• Prostatectomy (prostate removal)



• Other lower abdominal surgery

Some medications may cause bladder spasms as a side effect. Medications that commonly cause bladder spasms include:

• Bethanechol (urecholine)



• A chemotherapy drug called Valrubicin



• Medicines called diuretics, which help the body remove excess water, such as furosemide (Lasix)

What you eat or drink can sometimes bother a fragile bladder and cause it to go into a spasm. This is especially true in patients who have a condition called interstitial cystitis.

Spicy, acidic, or citrusy foods and the chemicals in certain preservatives and food additives can irritate the lining of the bladder. Such products include:

• Alcohol



• Artificial sweeteners



• Caffeinated beverages such as soda, coffee, and tea



• Chocolate



• Citrus fruits and drinks, such as oranges and orange juice



• Pickled foods



• Tomatoes

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Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/bladder_spasms/article.htm