A Comprehensive Guide To Interstitial Cystitis

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Interstitial Cystitis

• Dr. Saket Narnoli

www.dhanbadurologist.com
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What is Interstitial Cystitis?

• Interstitial cystitis (IC) refers to a chronic
  condition that affects the bladder. It is
  characterized by recurring episodes of bladder
  pain, discomfort, and a frequent urge to urinate.
  Unlike a urinary tract infection (UTI), IC does
  not have a specific infection as its cause. 
• The exact cause of IC is not fully understood,
  but it is believed to be a combination of
  factors, including bladder lining damage, nerve
  dysfunction, and an overactive immune response.
• IC can significantly impact a persons quality of
  life, causing physical and emotional distress.
  Effective management strategies, including
  lifestyle changes, medications, and other
  therapies, can help alleviate symptoms and
  improve daily functioning.

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Relation Between Painful Bladder Syndrome and
Interstitial Cystitis

• Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) is a term that is
  sometimes used interchangeably with Interstitial
  Cystitis (IC). In fact, PBS is a broader term
  that encompasses a range of bladder pain
  disorders, including IC. While IC is a specific
  type of PBS, not all cases of PBS are diagnosed
  as IC.
• Some healthcare professionals may use the term
  PBS when the symptoms align with bladder pain but
  do not meet the specific diagnostic criteria for
  IC. Its important to note that the terms IC and
  PBS are often used interchangeably, and both
  refer to chronic bladder pain conditions that
  require similar management approaches.

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What are the Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms?

• Increased frequency of urination - This involves
  needing to urinate more often than usual, both
  during the day and at night.
• Pain or discomfort in the pelvic region - This
  can extend beyond the bladder area and may be
  described as aching, pressure, or a sense of
  heaviness.
• Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) -
  Many individuals with IC experience pain or
  discomfort during or after sexual activity.
• Pain relief after urination - Some people find
  temporary relief from bladder pain after
  urinating.
• Negative impact on quality of life - IC symptoms
  can significantly affect daily activities, sleep
  patterns, work, social interactions, and
  emotional well-being.

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How to Diagnose Interstitial Cystitis?

• Cystoscopy - This procedure involves inserting a
  thin tube with a camera (cystoscope) into the
  bladder to visually examine the bladder wall for
  signs of inflammation or other abnormalities.
• Urine analysis - A urine sample may be tested to
  rule out other possible causes of bladder pain,
  such as urinary tract infections or bladder
  stones.
• Potassium sensitivity test (PST)- A solution
  containing potassium is instilled into the
  bladder, and if it triggers pain like the
  patients symptoms, it suggests IC.
• Bladder biopsy - In some cases, a small tissue
  sample may be taken from the bladder for further
  examination under a microscope to confirm the
  diagnosis.

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What are Interstitial Cystitis Treatments?

• Lifestyle modifications - Certain dietary
  changes, such as avoiding trigger foods (e.g.,
  caffeine, spicy foods), maintaining a healthy
  weight, and practicing stress management
  techniques, can help manage IC symptoms.
• Medications - Various medications may be
  prescribed, including oral medications such as
  pain relievers, antihistamines, and tricyclic
  antidepressants. Bladder instillations, where
  medications are directly introduced into the
  bladder, may also be used.
• Bladder training - This involves gradually
  increasing the time between urination to train
  the bladder to hold larger volumes of urine.
• Physical therapy - Pelvic floor physical therapy
  can help relax and strengthen the pelvic floor
  muscles, relieving associated pain and
  discomfort.
• Nerve stimulation - Techniques such as sacral
  nerve stimulation or intravesical electrical
  stimulation may be considered to modulate nerve
  activity and alleviate symptoms.
• Bladder distention - In some cases, stretching
  the bladder by filling it with water or gas
  during a cystoscopy may provide temporary relief.

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Thank You

• www.dhanbadurologist.com