Interstitial cystitis, as diagnosed by Best urologist in Islamabad is a chronically painful condition that gets better with treatment but has no permanent cure. This condition is a consequence of bladder irritation that can result in stiffening and scarring, causing chronic symptoms. Read on to know more about interstitial cystitis and how to manage this condition:
What is Interstitial Cystitis?
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder causing recurring pain and discomfort to the patient. This pain of interstitial cystitis comes and goes and is usually felt below the belly button.
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is not understood yet; however, it is postulated that urinary contact with bladder wall, nerve stimulation and autoimmune conditions contribute to interstitial cystitis. Additionally, there can be a hereditary element, allergic reaction or infection that contributes to interstitial cystitis. As the urine stays in the bladder, it inflames the bladder wall and releases chemicals that mediate pain and cause scarring.
What are the Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis?
The symptoms of interstitial cystitis are varied. The symptoms can change week after week, or persist for years. The common symptoms of interstitial cystitis include: bladder pain that worsens as the day goes by and the bladder fills, pain in the vagina for women and scrotum for men, pain in the lower back, pelvis and urethra.
Some patients feel the urge to urinate, despite voiding. The need to urinate can exceed more than seven to eight times daily, and up to forty times in severe cases. Some people can feel pain during sex or orgasm, as well. The common triggers of painful bladder include: menstruation, stress, sexual activity, sitting for a long period and exercise.
The symptoms of interstitial cystitis are similar to a chronic urinary tract infection (UTI), however, there is no infective agent.
Who is at Risk of Interstitial Cystitis?
Interstitial cystitis affects men and women of all ages and races. It is, however, more prevalent in women; as many as 90 percent of people diagnosed with interstitial cystitis are women.
In men, the aforementioned symptoms are often traced to prostatitis rather than interstitial cystitis, although they have similar features. Most patients are diagnosed with interstitial cystitis in their 30s and above.
Interstitial cystitis is also associated with other chronic pain disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia.
What are the Complications of Interstitial cystitis?
Interstitial cystitis causes the following complications:
Reduced bladder capacity: one consequence of interstitial cystitis is scarring of the bladder, which ultimately causes stiffening and reduced bladder capacity.
Intimacy issues: patients of interstitial cystitis complain of stress and strain on interpersonal relations and sexual health. In many instances, bladder pain is triggered by sex, and causes pain during sex.
Impact on quality of life: the symptoms of interstitial cystitis can interfere with the social and personal life of the patient. The patient undergoes a great deal of distress, with inability to exercise, sleep or perform activities of daily living without pain.
How is Interstitial Cystitis Treated?
There is no single treatment option for interstitial cystitis. The disease is managed in stages with the first stage being lifestyle modification, second being prescription drugs, followed by neuromodulation, and the final stages being immunosuppressants and surgery being the final stage.
Behavioral therapy helps to make changes to the daily life, including diet and practicing methods. When behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes are insufficient, drugs like oral pentosan, hydroxyzine, heparin, amitriptyline and dimethyl sulfoxide are used. These drugs manage the inflammation and decrease pain.
Neuromodulation is performed by a urologist available for booking at oladoc.com who give a group of treatments to deliver harmless electrical impulses to the nerves to manage pain.