Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Interstitial Cystitis
Millions of people suffer from interstitial cystitis symptoms and do not know they have a chronic bladder condition. Also known as painful bladder syndrome (a syndrome is a collection of related symptoms), interstitial cystitis symptoms cause discomfort similar to a urinary tract infection, however it is not cleared up by antibiotics. To help you understand your symptoms and determine if you need interstitial cystitis treatment is the purpose of this information. These are some commonly asked questions regarding interstitial cystitis:
Is interstitial cystitis a disease?
Interstitial cystitis symptoms are more a condition rather than a disease process. Interstitial cystitis occurs when the lining of the bladder is inflamed and causes chronic (constant long term) pain and discomfort.
What causes interstitial cystitis symptoms?
It is unknown what exactly causes interstitial cystitis symptoms. Researchers believe there may be several causes of interstitial cystitis including but not limited to:
• Harmful and irritating substances that are allowed to pass through a defect in the bladder lining and inflame the bladder wall.
• Mast cells are a special type of cell that protects the body from allergens by producing histamine. Scientists think that an overproduction of histamine may attack the bladder lining and produce interstitial cystitis symptoms.
• An auto immune response that causes the body to attack itself and its organs may be the cause of interstitial cystitis symptoms.
• The nerves may under go change that produces the interstitial cystitis symptoms.
Scientists have discovered that the urine of those diagnosed with interstitial cystitis have a substance in it that blocks making of new cells lining the bladder. Scientists are trying to discover what causes this to happen.
What are some interstitial cystitis symptoms?
The inflammation of the bladder lining causes the following interstitial cystitis symptoms:
• Pain or pressure in the pelvic area, or just above the pubic bone.
• Urinary frequency. Some severe cases may cause a person to urinate up to sixty times a day. Normally an adult voids 7 to 8 times a day.
• Urgent need to urinate. Some people will plan activities of daily living based on the proximity of a bathroom. This greatly limits activity and quality of life.
• Women may notice an increase of interstitial cystitis symptoms around the time of their menstrual cycle.
• Men may experience pain in the genitalia.
• Sexual intercourse may be painful in women
How are interstitial cystitis symptoms diagnosed?
There is not one specific test that can diagnose interstitial cystitis symptoms. Generally a physician will rule out all other causes for your symptoms before deciding upon interstitial cystitis treatment. You doctor may perform a cystoscopy. A cystoscopy is done by placing a person under anesthesia and looking into the bladder with a scope. Your doctor can rule out diseases such as cancer as a cause for your interstitial cystitis symptoms.
What interstitial cystitis treatments are available?
Since interstitial cystitis symptoms have no cure, treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms. Each person’s body responds to interstitial cystitis treatment in a different manner and a variety or combination of treatments may be needed. Some interstitial cystitis treatment options include:
• Distending the bladder has shown to improve pain levels. This interstitial cystitis treatment can take two to four weeks to show results. It is unknown why this is effective.
• Instilling a solution of dimethyl sulfoxide into the bladder and holding it for 10 to 15 minutes. Relief from this interstitial cystitis treatment is achieved in two to six weeks. The treatment is given every or every other week for two months.
• Oral medications such as pentosan, tricyclic anti-depressants, antihistamines, aspirin and ibuprophen are used in interstitial cystitis treatment. These medications may not be appropriate for everyone.
• Surgical treatment for interstitial cystitis symptoms is only performed as a last resort and is used to remove ulcerations (sores) in the bladder lining and walls.
You may require a combination of interstitial cystitis treatments to improve your condition. Many of the treatments can take weeks to months in order to effectively control interstitial cystitis symptoms. Be patient and do not give up hope.
If you or your family suffers from any of the symptoms of interstitial cystitis consult your doctor for prompt treatment and diagnosis.
