In the early phase of IC the symptom flares are intermittent in most patients. Over time symptoms increase and pain cycles may appear and last for 3-14 days. When these cycles become more frequent and last longer they are likely to be referred to a specialist.
Interstitial cystitis (IC)/bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a chronic bladder health issue. It is a feeling of pain and pressure in the bladder area. Along with this pain are lower urinary tract symptoms which have lasted for more than 6 weeks, without having an infection or other clear causes.
REST – If you've been in pain or discomfort for just thirty minutes, stop, rest and try to break the cycle of irritation and/or muscle tension before it worsens. Try using a heating pad on your lower belly to help relax your pelvic floor.
However, if you have ongoing discomfort or tenderness in your pelvic area, frequently experience the sudden need to urinate, or find you are going to the restroom more than you previously did, you may have interstitial cystitis.
Flares can last for a few hours or several days, depending on what triggered them, and they can happen to long-term IC patients, as well as those who are newly diagnosed. Triggers include specific foods, travel, tight clothing, strenuous exercise, certain medications, sex, and fluctuations in hormones.
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis isn't known, but it's likely that many factors contribute. For instance, people with interstitial cystitis may also have a defect in the protective lining (epithelium) of the bladder. A leak in the epithelium may allow toxic substances in urine to irritate your bladder wall.
Coffee, soda, alcohol, tomatoes, hot and spicy foods, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, citrus juices and drinks, MSG, and high-acid foods can trigger IC symptoms or make them worse.
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome symptoms vary among people. They may be mild or severe. They also may be constant or only appear occasionally. If you're a woman or person AFAB, your symptoms often get worse when you're menstruating.
End-stage interstitial cystitis is defined as a hard bladder that triggers intense pain and possesses very low bladder capacity. Many cases of end-stage interstitial cystitis involve Hunner's ulcers. Also known as “end-stage IC”, only about 5% of IC patients develop this severe condition.
IC pain often follows eating trigger foods, which are usually acidic, spicy, or pro-inflammatory. What is this? Foods that make interstitial cystitis worse include acidic foods, foods with artificial sweeteners, and carbonated drinks. Many patients report more pain or flare-ups after ingesting these items.
Pelvic floor physical therapy works to release tension from these muscles, clear out inflammation, and restore normal function. It's the only treatment shown to sustainably help a majority of IC patients, and the only treatment given an 'A' evidence grade by the American Urological Association.
Hydroxyzine affects mast cell degranulation, which is thought to play a part in some IC/BPS patients' symptoms, especially those who have a history of allergies, migraines and irritable bowel syndrome. Hydroxyzine has been shown to improve these conditions, as well as IC/BPS.
If you have interstitial cystitis, you'll receive the message to pee much more frequently, sometimes up to 60 times in a day, and the process of holding and releasing urine becomes very painful. For women, the pain in the pelvic region can increase in severity during the menstrual cycle.
The symptoms may range from just needing to urinate more often to severe pain and urgency. Work, sexual activity and normal social functioning can become difficult or impossible. The symptoms of IC may stay the same over time or get worse. Some patients may go into remission for extended periods.
Symptoms may become severe (called a "flare") for hours, days or weeks, and then disappear. Or, they may linger at a very low level during other times. Individuals with IC/BPS may also have other health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic headaches, and vulvodynia.
Signs You Should Get Help for Interstitial Cystitis
Pressure and tenderness in your bladder and pelvic area. Urgent need to urinate or frequent urination (often small amounts) Pain intensity that changes as your bladder fills or empties.
Doctors use treatments to either coat and protect the bladder or suppress inflammation. Medications for interstitial cystitis such as Elmiron may reduce bladder discomfort and pain in some people with IC and may work by repairing the damaged bladder lining.
Signs and symptoms of cystitis
needing to pee more often and urgently than normal. urine that's dark, cloudy or strong smelling. pain low down in your tummy. feeling generally unwell, achy, sick and tired.
The cause of interstitial cystitis (IC) is unknown. Researchers are looking at many theories to understand the causes of IC and find the best treatments. Most people with IC find that certain foods make their symptoms worse.
So even if it seems counterintuitive, finding ways to drink more water can actually result in happier IC bladders. And that's something we all want! Knowing we need to drink more water and making it happen are two different things. But drinking water doesn't have to be laborious and miserable.
Polyomaviruses, particularly BK virus, may cause some cases of interstitial cystitis.
The symptoms range from mild to severe, and symptom frequency ranges from infrequent to persistent. Periods of remission are also possible. An individual with interstitial cystitis often feels the urge to urinate frequently but may only produce a small amount of urine.
There is no best way to diagnose IC. A variety of tests may be needed. These include urine tests, imaging tests, and biopsy. Treatments are aimed at easing symptoms.
The antihistamine (such as Zyrtec®) is used because biopsies in patients with IC show an increased number or Mast cells, which are a particular type of white blood cell that are attracted to the site of injury by histamine. The mast cells further increase the local inflammation and pain.
Pentosan polysulfate sodium — Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS; Elmiron) is an oral medication that was developed to repair the lining of the bladder in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).