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Does Coffee Cause Bladder Irritation?
Question: I have had acid reflux for years as well as health anxiety. Over the last few years ive had endoscopies, bloodwork and urinalysis a minumum of twice a year, abdominal CT within the last year and a half.
My point is, i get checked out a lot. Probably more than i even stated.
My question is, ive noticed in the last 4-5 years i will have mild bladder issues like urgency or discomfort.
It seems to be when im tired of watching my diet and try to live a normal life of consuming coffee, sodas, energy drinks, etc...
My reflux gets flared up and after a few months the urination or bladder thing hits.
I straighten up my diet and everything calms down.
Right now my reflux had been flared up for a few months but due to some life stress, i started drinking coffee daily.
Then last week i started drinking a few energy drinks per day.
Well, now my bladder feels irritated.
I dont feel ill, my urine is clear and doesnt smell and the irritation isnt really bad but is annoying.
Can caffine and reflux irritate the bladder?
Im tired of running to the doctor and i really feel this is irritation only.
I know im urinating about the same amount daily but with more frequency, just sometimes less output per trip.
My point is, i get checked out a lot. Probably more than i even stated.
My question is, ive noticed in the last 4-5 years i will have mild bladder issues like urgency or discomfort.
It seems to be when im tired of watching my diet and try to live a normal life of consuming coffee, sodas, energy drinks, etc...
My reflux gets flared up and after a few months the urination or bladder thing hits.
I straighten up my diet and everything calms down.
Right now my reflux had been flared up for a few months but due to some life stress, i started drinking coffee daily.
Then last week i started drinking a few energy drinks per day.
Well, now my bladder feels irritated.
I dont feel ill, my urine is clear and doesnt smell and the irritation isnt really bad but is annoying.
Can caffine and reflux irritate the bladder?
Im tired of running to the doctor and i really feel this is irritation only.
I know im urinating about the same amount daily but with more frequency, just sometimes less output per trip.
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Coffee can definitely irritate the bladder. Other foods and drinks that can cause bladder irritation include:
1. Anything with caffeine, including chocolate and some teas and sodas.
2. Tomatoes or anything with tomatoes (they are highly acidic)
3. Any carbonated drinks, even without caffeine.
4. Acidic fruits such as pineapple, lemon, lime, grapefruit, oranges.
5. Highly spiced foods
6. Alcoholic beverages
Whether the acid from your own digestive tract can affect your bladder and make it more irritable, I do not know. Some medications can do this, but you did not mention that you have been taking any medications.
If you can, cut back or discontinue the common irritants I listed here, or anything that you notice causes irritation, and see if your bladder symptoms resolve.
If, however, you develop flank/kidney area pain (on the sides of the back behind your waist) or fever, then do go in to be seen and have a urinalysis and culture done. But otherwise, given that you have a previous history of having bladder symptoms following acid reflux, it would be reasonable to wait.
Non acidic vegetables (ie not tomatoes) can be somewhat acid neutralizing and you might see if gradually adding more of those helps, too. Examples would be zucchinis, broccoli, XXXXXXX green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Coffee can definitely irritate the bladder. Other foods and drinks that can cause bladder irritation include:
1. Anything with caffeine, including chocolate and some teas and sodas.
2. Tomatoes or anything with tomatoes (they are highly acidic)
3. Any carbonated drinks, even without caffeine.
4. Acidic fruits such as pineapple, lemon, lime, grapefruit, oranges.
5. Highly spiced foods
6. Alcoholic beverages
Whether the acid from your own digestive tract can affect your bladder and make it more irritable, I do not know. Some medications can do this, but you did not mention that you have been taking any medications.
If you can, cut back or discontinue the common irritants I listed here, or anything that you notice causes irritation, and see if your bladder symptoms resolve.
If, however, you develop flank/kidney area pain (on the sides of the back behind your waist) or fever, then do go in to be seen and have a urinalysis and culture done. But otherwise, given that you have a previous history of having bladder symptoms following acid reflux, it would be reasonable to wait.
Non acidic vegetables (ie not tomatoes) can be somewhat acid neutralizing and you might see if gradually adding more of those helps, too. Examples would be zucchinis, broccoli, XXXXXXX green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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