Question 1

how can interstitial cystitis be managed? can it be the cause for reoccurring pyelonephritis? any drugs for interstitial cystitis that can help?

Accepted Answer

Elm iron: Ic is a chronic inflammation in the "wall" (interstitium) of the bladder resulting in pain, frequency and blood in the urine.  Reportedly more common in women, it is probably well under diagnosed in men.  Best managed with dietary/lifestyle (hydration), there is only 1 medication approved by the fda - elmiron, (pentosan) to "fill the cracks" in the bladder lining. Intravesical (in the bladder) txs available.

Question 2

i have fibre muscular dysplasia is this caused by taking the drug elmiron (pentosan) for ten years   i take it for interstitial cystitis   ?

Accepted Answer

Here are some ...: It's natural to relate "new" health event with prior drug use. However, your clinical scenario showed you have suffered from multiple similar connective tissue-related conditions resulting from still much unknown causes. Besides, a 
10-yr span has incurred much change in the body. So, it's hard to connect Elmira with fibromuscular dysplasia, which has been known to occur more in women.

Question 3

who develops interstitial cystitis?

Accepted Answer

Both men and women: It has a tendency to run in families which suggests a genetic factor. It is diagnosed more commonly in women.

Question 4

interstitial cystitis -- what is it?

Accepted Answer

Bladder inflammation: The bladder has several layers, starting from the lining, through the muscle to the serosa (outer lining). The "interstitium" is between the muscle bundles. An inflammation of this area, results in "cystitis".  It does not mean an infections, but it often is.

Question 5

is interstitial cystitis progressive?

Accepted Answer

Ic: If not treated properly could be progressive.

Question 6

how to relieve interstitial cystitis?

Accepted Answer

Personal Approach: Interstitial cystitis is a very difficult diagnosis to treat, or provide a simple treatment that works for everyone.  Diet modification, elmeron, certain antidepressants and even pelvic floor physical therapy have demonstrated to improve symptoms.  Don't get frustrated and work with your urologist to find a treatment that works for you!

Question 7

anyone die from interstitial cystitis?

Accepted Answer

No: I am not aware of interstitial cystitis directly causing death.  However, it is possible for patient to have concurrent bladder cancer and interstitial cystitis.  Certainly bladder cancer can cause death.

Question 8

how is interstitial cystitis diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

IC diagnosis: By history and physical exam, negative urine cultue, pain relief with instillation of local anesthetic in the bladder and cystoscopy.

Question 9

how do you treat interstitial cystitis?

Accepted Answer

Treating IC: It depends on the degree/extent of the condition in an individual:  in mild cases aggressive hydration and avoidance of dietary "triggers" (potassium/spicy/acidic foods) may be enough.  "hydrodistention" is noted to stimulate repair in some pts.  The only fda approved medication is elmiron (pentosan).  Some patients respond to intravesical tx and some may lose the bladders.....

Question 10

what is interstitial cystitis caused by?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown in GAG: There is a breakdown in the gag layer of the bladder. Gag stands for glucoseaminoglycan and it is a  microscopic layer that is supposed to help with protection of the mucous layer of the bladder. There is a lot of research going into this area and there is a significant connection between interstitial cystitis and endometriosis.  Right now we are managing the symptoms as best we can. No cure yet!

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Doctor answers about:

Interstitial cystitis drugs

A member asked:

How can interstitial cystitis be managed? can it be the cause for reoccurring pyelonephritis? any drugs for interstitial cystitis that can help?

A member asked:

I have fibre muscular dysplasia is this caused by taking the drug elmiron (pentosan) for ten years i take it for interstitial cystitis ?

A member asked:

Who develops interstitial cystitis?

A member asked:

Interstitial cystitis -- what is it?

A member asked:

Is interstitial cystitis progressive?

A member asked:

How to relieve interstitial cystitis?

A member asked:

Anyone die from interstitial cystitis?

A member asked:

How is interstitial cystitis diagnosed?

A member asked:

How do you treat interstitial cystitis?

A member asked:

What is interstitial cystitis caused by?

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