Understanding IC
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder inflammation. It is often extreme and very disruptive. Of the over 500,000 souls enduring IC, almost 90% are female.
Symptoms of interstitial cystitis are frustratingly variable and may be substantially distinct from one individual to another person, or even simply for one individual from one day to another. Individuals persevering with interstitial cystitis often have an urgent need to urinate. They can experience continual soreness, tenderness, pressure, or extreme pain in the bladder and surrounding pelvic region.
Specific edibles appear to catalyze symptoms. The most common foods mentioned include vinegar, tomatoes, spicy foods, coffee, chocolate, and alcohol.
Interstitial cystitis is usually diagnosed after other conditions with analogous indications have been omitted with confidence.
The true cause of interstitial cystitis is undiscovered. Although the symptoms resemble a vesica infection, interstitial cystitis does not appear to be triggered by bacteria. A particular theory indicates that IC is caused by a contagious agent which has not yet been discovered. Another hypothesis holds that interstitial cystitis is some kind of an autoimmune reaction. And then a different theory is that interstitial cystitis is related to allergic reactions. As it varies so much in different individuals, interstitial cystitis may not be a single phenomenon but several problems.
A variety of treatments are often tried alone or in combination before a specific one is found that succeeds. Oral antihistamines such as certirizine and hydroxyzine may offer relief, and the sleepiness they create frequently breaks off over time. As a result of of these side-effects, a few people favor a natural approach and believe in the interstitial cystitis quercetin studies suggesting quercetin’s helpful attributes.
Other medications utilized for interstitial cystitis include pyridium and anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, medications like heparin and dimethyl sulfoxide might be inserted into the vesica through a catheter. True surgical modification of the vesica is seldom utilized to address IC.
Quercetin is a common option among natural treatments for interstitial cystitis. Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that might harbor anti-inflammatory attributes. A small placebo-controlled double-blind test observed that a supplement holding quercetin decreased symptoms of interstitial cystitis.
But you should explore side-effects of quercetin prior to proceeding with this therapy. In particular, patients suffering from GERD or acid reflux may desire to stay clear of quercetin. It wouldn’t be smart to hazard further troubles along the digestive pathway while attempting to treat your IC.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor so you should consult with your physician before accepting any medical advice from the Web.
This entry was posted on Saturday, May 30th, 2009 at 7:41 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.