Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder that causes frequent, urgent and painful urination. The natural lining of the bladder is protected from the urine toxins by a coating of enzymes. In IC this protective layer is defective, allowing the toxins to penetrate into the interstitial layers of the bladder wall where the nerve endings are located, which then causes severe irritation with urination and bladder pain.
Approximately 700,000 people are affected by IC, 90 percent of which are women; however, an increasing number of men are being diagnosed with IC who were previously misdiagnosed with chronic prostatitis. The average age of onset is 40 years with 25 percent of the cases involving people less than 30 years, and children affected by IC may be greater than commonly believed. People with IC typically experience periods of flare-ups, followed by periods of remission. There are several conditions that have been associated with IC such as endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and food allergies.
Diagnosis is made by first ruling out other conditions such as urinary tract infection (UIT), bladder stones, bladder cancer and others. Unlike inflammation of the bladder caused by bacteria in an UTI and treated with antibiotics, no infectious agent is found in IC. It is thought that several factors in combination cause the condition. One thought may be an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy cells following a bladder infection. Spasms of the pelvic floor muscles may also add to the symptoms of IC.
The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Though not curable, multiple complementary treatments and lifestyle changes can help. Eliminating acidic, spicy, caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks and sugary foods can help control symptoms. Recommendations to help with symptoms include fresh fruits and vegetable, cold-water fish, nuts and seeds, as well as drinking 50 percent of your body weight in ounces of water daily.
There are prescription medications aimed at relieving symptoms, but they usually must be taken long term. Certain supplements and herbal medicines have found to be helpful in relieving symptoms.
To schedule an appointment, please call Caring for You Health Center, Inc.
at 661-284-2400.