Inflammatory diseases of the bladder are quite common in modern medical practice, and most of them are easily diagnosed and treated. But with interstitial cystitis, things are different: to date, the causes of its occurrence are not fully understood. As for therapy, its scheme is compiled 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 in children and elderly patients this disease is extremely rarely diagnosed.
The inflammatory process is accompanied by damage and a change in the tissues of the bladder, which leads not only to problems with urination, but also to a decrease in the volume of this organ. Today, 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 taking 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 most often remain without attention. As the disease progresses, periodic pains appear in the pelvic area, as well as problems with urination.
Patients with interstitial cystitis suffer from soreness, which increases with the filling of the bladder (this is due to a decrease in its volume) and disappears immediately after emptying. In addition, urination increases. In some cases, patients are forced to use 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 sex life. Statistics show that among this category, suicides occur twice as often. Often there are problems with social adaptation, depression and various phobias develop.
Interstitial cystitis: treatment
In this case, therapy must necessarily be comprehensive. 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 the use of antidepressants ("Amitriptyline"), as well as regular classes 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 heparin sodium and hyaluronic acid, which restore the integrity of the mucopolysaccharide layer.