Inflammatory diseases of the bladder are quite common in modern medical practice, and most of them are easy to diagnose and treat. But with interstitial cystitis, things are different: to this day, the causes of its occurrence have not been fully studied. As for therapy, its scheme is drawn up individually in each case.
What is interstitial cystitis, what are its causes?
Unlike other inflammatory lesions, the cause of this disease is not an infection. It is also interesting that adult women suffer from interstitial cystitis ten times more often, but this disease is extremely rare in children and elderly patients.
The inflammatory process is accompanied by damage and changes in the tissues of the bladder, which leads not only to problems with urination, but also toreduction in the volume of this organ. To date, there are many theories about the causes of the disease. Some scientists argue that the inflammatory process in this case is associated with an allergic reaction to certain medications, as well as narcotic substances, the penetration of toxins and poisons into the body. Other researchers have identified a relationship between the inflammatory process and gynecological procedures. In other cases, the disease is associated with hormonal disruptions, autoimmune processes and some other diseases.
Interstitial cystitis symptoms
The inflammatory process develops slowly, so the first signs of the disease are most often ignored. As the disease progresses, intermittent pain in the pelvic area appears, as well as problems with urination.
Patients with interstitial cystitis suffer from soreness that increases as the bladder fills (due to a decrease in its volume) and disappears immediately after emptying it. In addition, the urge to urinate increases. In some cases, patients are forced to visit the toilet 30-50 times a day, including at night.
Such violations, of course, affect the quality of human life. Approximately 60% of patients with interstitial cystitis refuse relationships and sexual activity. Statistics also show that among this category, suicides occur twice as often. Often observedproblems with social adaptation, depression and various phobias develop.
Interstitial cystitis treatment
In this case, therapy must be complex. Moreover, the treatment regimen is selected and adjusted individually. To begin with, patients are prescribed antispasmodics, as well as painkillers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also used. In the presence of mental disorders, therapy necessarily includes taking antidepressants ("Amitriptyline"), as well as regular sessions with a psychotherapist.
If there is a suspicion of an allergic origin of the disease, then antihistamines are used for treatment, in particular drugs that contain cimetidine and hydroxyzine.
Since cystitis is associated with damage to the glycosaminoglycan layer of the bladder, it is advisable to use sodium heparin and hyaluronic acid, which restore the integrity of the mucopolysaccharide layer.
