Veterans with bladder pain syndrome report more food sensitivities

Food sensitivities are significantly more common among veterans with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome than those without, according to a study.

Veterans Affairs patients were identified by looking into ICD-9/10 codes for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Eligible patients were then assigned to interstitial cystitis, other pelvic pain, or healthy control cohorts after chart review.

The investigators mailed all patients the Shorter-Moldwin Food Sensitivity Questionnaire to assess the self-perceived effects of specific foods/beverages on urinary symptoms and/or bladder pain.

One or more food sensitivities were noted in 70 percent of the interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome cohort compared with 37 percent of the other pelvic pain cohort and 32 percent of healthy controls (p<0.001).

The average number of food sensitivities were comparable between other pelvic pain conditions and health control cohorts, which were significantly less than those with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Moreover, the latter were more sensitive to acidic and spicy foods, as well as some beverages, compared to the other cohorts (p<0.001 for all).

Among patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, Blacks had significantly higher sensitivity to alcoholic and noncaffeinated beverages than Whites. In addition, Black patients reported significantly worsened urinary urgency than did Whites (p<0.05).

“This suggests that food sensitivities could be suggestive of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, which could make the Shorter-Moldwin Food Sensitivity Questionnaire a helpful diagnostic tool and aid in distinguishing interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome from conditions often confused with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome,” the investigators said.