There are a number of treatments for interstitial cystitis, writes Marion Kerr
A FEW years ago, I developed problems with passing urine. Over time, my symptoms have increased and I have been told I have something called interstitial cystitis. Can you tell me what this is?
Cystitis is the medical term used to describe an infection of the bladder. However, interstitial cystitis is a painful inflammation of the bladder without evidence of infection.
Although more common in women (90 per cent of sufferers are female), the condition can also occur in men. It typically causes pelvic or abdominal pain, urinary frequency and urgency - which tend to worsen as the bladder fills.
Physical and emotional stress increase symptoms in some people. A diagnosis is usually made based on the history of symptoms, an urinalysis and perhaps an examination of the bladder using a scope (cystoscopy) during which a biopsy may be taken.
Sometimes benign ulcers called Hunner's Ulcers are found in the bladders of sufferers. Other conditions such as urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease or prostate problems, which produce similar symptoms, need to be ruled out before a definitive diagnosis is made.
Typically, symptoms worsen over time as the bladder wall is damaged by the inflammatory process. The bladder can also shrink as a result of chronic inflammation.
The actual cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown but it is thought that it could be due to the loss of the protective lining in the bladder, problems with the sensory nerves in the bladder or damage to the bladder muscles.
Can it be cured?
While many people with interstitial cystitis will improve with a combination of treatments, cure is rare. Treatment options include diet modification such as the avoidance of alcohol, tobacco, spices, caffeinated drinks and certain foods. Bladder training and medication such as antidepressants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory may help relieve symptoms for some.
Drugs injected or infused directly into the bladder have also been found to help some. Surgical treatment for the condition is often a last resort for patients with intolerable pain who have not responded to other treatments. Unfortunately for some people , symptoms persist even with these interventions.