INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS

WHAT IS IC?

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammation of the bladder wall. Its cause is unknown and so is its cure. "Common" cystitis is a urinary tract infection caused by bacteria and is usually successfully treated with antibiotics. Unlike common cystitis, IC is believed not to be caused by bacteria and does not respond to conventional antibiotic therapy. It is important to note, however, that IC is not a psychosomatic disorder nor is it caused by stress.

WHO IS AFFECTED?

IC can affect people of any age, race or sex. It is, however, most commonly found in women. A 1987 epidemiological study estimated that 450,000 people might be affected by the disease.

SYMPTOMS:

… FREQUENCY: Day and/or night frequency of urination (up to 60 times a day in severe cases). In early or very mild cases, frequency is sometimes the only symptom.

… URGENCY: pain, pressure or spasms may also accompany the sensation of having to urinate immediately.

… PAIN: Can be in the abdominal, urethral or vaginal area. Pain is also frequently associated

with sexual intercourse.

OTHER DISORDERS:

Some patients also report experiencing symptoms such as muscle and joint pain, migraines, allergic, reactions, colon and stomach problems as well as the more common symptoms of IC described above. At this time, it is not known if there is any connection between IC and these other ailments.

DIAGNOSIS:

Most IC patients have difficulty obtaining a diagnosis. To make a proper diagnosis of

IC, a urologist must follow these steps:

… Obtain a urine culture to determine if there is a bacterial infection present.

… Rule out other diseases and/or conditions that have symptoms resembling IC. These

diseases may include: bladder cancer, kidney problems, tuberculosis, vaginal infections,

sexually transmitted disease, radiation cystitis, and neurological disorders.

… Perform a cystoscopy to be sure there is no other disorder causing the symptoms. A Cystoscopy during a routine office visit may not reveal the characteristic abnormalities of IC. It usually is necessary to distend the bladder under general anesthesia in order to see the pinpoint hemorrhages or ulcers of the bladder wall that is the hallmark of this disease. A biopsy of the bladder wall may be necessary at this time to rule out bladder cancer and to assist in the diagnosis of IC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TREATMENT:

At this time there is no cure for IC nor is there an effective treatment which works for everyone. The treatments listed below have been used to relieve the symptoms of IC in some people:

… BLADDER DISTENTION:

Filling it with water under general anesthesia stretches the bladder.

… ORAL MEDICATIONS:

These include anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodic drugs, antihistamines and muscle relaxants.

… DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide):

This medication is instilled directly into the bladder. It is believed to work as an anti-inflammatory agent and therefore reduces pain.

 ELMIRON: (pentosan polysulfate sodium) is an oral prescription drug, which may work by restoring a damaged, thin, or "leaky" bladder surface. This surface (glycosaminoglycans, or GAG layer) is composed of a coating of mucus, which protects the bladder wall from bacteria and caustic substances in urine. It is believed that Elmironâ functions as a synthetic GAG layer, but the drug’s mechanical action in IC is unknown.

… ANTIDEPRESSANT:

Taken orally, certain antidepressant drugs such as amitriptyline appear to have anti-pain properties and bladder relaxing properties.

… DIET:

Eliminating certain foods may decrease the severity of IC symptoms. Drinking at least 6 cups of water per day will also cause the urine to be less irritating to the bladder lining.

… SURGERY:

Several types of surgery have been used to treat IC including bladder augmentation and, in severe cases, urinary diversion.

THE INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS ASSOCIATION

The Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) is a nationwide organization working on behalf of all IC patients. Its goals are:

… To provide IC patients with the most up-to-date information on IC.

… To provide IC patients, their families and friends a support network in their community.

… To attract the attention of the medical community to the seriousness of IC and to educate the public.

… To help establish a National Registry so the facts about IC can be gathered and studied.

… To support research to find an effective treatment and cure for IC.

If you would like more information about Interstitial Cystitis Association write to:

ICA P.O. box 1553 Madison Square Station New York, N.Y. 10159 (www.ichelp.com) 1-800-Help-ICA. Other web sites are (www.sonic.net/~jill/icnet) or (alt.support.inter-cystitis).

Revised 8/00 by LAKES AREA UROLOGY Brainerd, MN 56401 1-218-829-3348