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Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder. Simple cystitis, also known as a bladder infection, is 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 that IC is not a psychosomatic disorder nor is it caused by stress.
IC can affect people of any age, race or sex. It is, however, most commonly found in women. Recent data suggest there may be greater than 700,000 cases of IC in the United States.
Symptoms usually include one or more of the following:
- Urinating frequently. IC patients average about 16 times per day – some up to 60 times per day.
- Inability to hold much urine.
- Awaken more than once a night to urinate.
- Urge to urinate sometimes even after emptying the bladder.
- Unexplained pain and pressure in the vagina, pelvis, lower abdomen or external genitalia.
Commonly with IC, tests for bacterial urinary tract infections, other urological disorders, tumors, and sexually transmitted diseases are negative.
Treatment usually includes one or more of the following:
- Oral Medications:
- Elmiron® which received FDA approval in 1996. It is the only oral medication approved specifically for use in IC. It is believed to work by repairing a thin or damaged bladder lining.
- Though not approved by the FDA for the treatment of IC, the following medications have also been useful for treating the condition. These include tricyclic antidepressants such as amtriptyline, based on their analgesic and sedative properties; anti-inflammatory agents, antispasmodics, antihistamines and muscle relaxants.
- Bladder Instillations: This includes bladder distention (stretching the bladder by filling it with water under general anesthesia), DMSO (a medication instilled directly into the bladder), and a mixture of other medications which can be instilled.
- Diet: Eliminating certain foods (acidic, spicy) may decrease the severity of IC symptoms. Also, smoking, drinking caffeine and alcoholic beverages may aggravate IC.
- Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a technique that assists in identifying and relaxing pelvic muscles and is useful for people who are interested in taking an active part in helping their IC.
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