The Interstitial Cystitis Association reports that interstitial cystitis (IC), also called painful bladder syndrome, affects more than 4 million Americans. Although it can affect anyone, including men, women and children, it is more prevalent among women. The severity of interstitial cystitis ranges from mild discomfort to debilitating, which is why many scientists believe that IC actually represents several different diseases, according to the National Kidney and Urological Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC).
Causes
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is not known, but a defect in the lining of the bladder may play a role in the disease. The bladder is a balloon-shaped hollow organ surrounded by a muscular wall. As urine travels from the kidneys to the bladder, the bladder expands and nerves in the bladder wall signal the brain, which then sends signals back to the bladder to release the urine. A defect in the epithelial lining of the bladder may allow toxic substances to leak into the bladder wall, causing irritation that could lead to IC.
Scientists are also researching the role that heredity, allergy and autoimmune diseases may play in IC, according to the doctors at the Mayo Clinic.
Symptoms
The symptoms of IC are different from person to person, but may include chronic pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, frequent urination or a persistent urge to urinate. Some people only experience some degree of discomfort or pain while others have pain with urinary difficulties.
The symptoms of IC are very similar to those of a bladder or urinary tract infection; however, with IC there is no bacteria present so it cannot be treated with antibiotics.
Medications
There are several oral medications that can help to relieve the symptoms of IC. The pain can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen. Antihistimines, such as the over-the-counter diphenhydramine or prescription loratadine, can help to relieve urinary urgency. In addition, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline or imipramine can help to relax the bladder and relieve pain.
There is one medication, pentosan, approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat interstitial cystitis, according to the doctors at the Mayo Clinic. This medication is believed to help repair the lining of the bladder, which protects the bladder wall from being irritated by substances in the urine.
Procedures
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is the administration of mild electrical pulses. When targeted to the lower back or pelvic region these impulses can help to improve blood flow and strengthen the muscles, which in turn can relieve pelvic pain and urinary frequency.
