Hunner’s ulcers also referred to as Hunner’s lesions are often associated with interstitial cystitis, but are not ulcers in the true form. Hunner’s lesions are characterized by distinctive inflammatory spots within the bladder wall and associated with a peculiar set of symptoms. While hunner’s ulcers are found in about 5 to 10% of the people suffering from the disease, the symptoms of the ulcer include pain and blood in urine.
This article provides information about hunner’s ulcer symptoms and some simple home remedies and natural treatment options for the management of hunner’s ulcer.
Hunner’s ulcers are associated with interstitial cystitis, which affect in internal walls of the urinary bladder. The condition was first described by a gynecologist named Dr. Hunner in a paper published in 1915.
Various research studies continue to understand how interstitial cystitis manifests in different patients; however as per current knowledge there are two basic types- Non Ulcerative and Ulcerative. The ulcerative interstitial cystitis variant affects about five to ten percent of patients with interstitial cystitis and is also referred to as the Hunner’s ulcers.
Symptoms Of Hunner’s Ulcers
The symptoms associated with hunner’s disease are very similar to the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Some of the common symptoms include the following,
- Recurring pelvic pain is considered to be one of the most common symptoms. The severity of the pain may vary from sensation of pressure and discomfort to severe agonizing pain.
- Increase in frequency of urination i.e. need to frequently go for urination is also observed.
- Increased urgency is another characteristic symptom i.e. strong need to go immediately.
- Presence of occult blood in the urine may also be observed.
In order to confirm hunner’s ulcers, a procedure referred to as cystoscopy is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. Hunner’s lesions or ulcer appear as red distinctive spots of inside the walls of the urinary bladder, which may be associated with mild bleeding.
Hunner’s Ulcers Treatment And Home Remedies
Treating hunner’s ulcer can help in the treatment and management of interstitial cystitis. There are different techniques that are used which include fulguration (burning off of the tissue with laser), resection of ulcer (cutting the ulcer surgically) or submucosal injection (using steroid injections to heal the ulcers).
While these treatment regimens have varied degree of success, there are certain home remedies and natural treatments that are considered very useful for management of hunner’s ulcer,
- Consume about 50 ml of cranberry juice three times in a day. Cranberry juice is a potent anti-bacterial and helps in the treatment of interstitial cystitis naturally.
- Homeopathic drug like Cantharis and Berberis Vulgaris taken in low dosage repeated over several times in the day is considered to be very useful in treating the ulcers and also reducing the pain associated with interstitial cystitis.
- Ensure that you consume three liters of water each day. Water helps flush the entire urinary system. Water helps flush out bacteria and other parasites that are associated with higher risk of interstitial cystitis and urinary tract infection.
Maintaining hygiene and having a healthy diet plays a very crucial role in preventing infection and risk of recurrence of interstitial cystitis or urinary tract infection in future.