Call to Schedule Free Consultation at Over 45 Centers Worldwide!
Call to Schedule Free Consultation at Over 45 Centers Worldwide!
DISEASE AWARENESS PAGE FOR R3 STEM CELL – INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS
Interstitial cystitis is a condition characterized by chronic pain and discomfort that affects the bladder. It is also called bladder pain syndrome, and not much is known about the condition. There are several theories about its causes, and they span from nerve-related explanations to genetic theories. However, the symptoms of the condition are quite clear. They include pain in the bladder area, increased urinary frequency, and sometimes pain during sex.
Since it causes pain around the bladder region, interstitial cystitis is often associated with other conditions. Some of these conditions cause pain at or around the bladder and are often diagnosed alongside the condition. Some other conditions do not directly cause pain in the affected region but are known to be present in individuals with the condition. Some of them include irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Like we discussed earlier, there are several theories that attempt to explain what causes interstitial cystitis. While most of them offer plausible explanations, none of them has been proven or generally accepted as the singular cause. However, despite this lack of consensus, these theories can help to understand how the condition works and help to develop appropriate treatments.
One theory suggests that an autoimmune condition is responsible for bladder pain syndrome. This is a little similar to what is seen in other autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In autoimmune conditions, the body’s immune system attacks normal healthy cells, thinking they are antibodies. This theory believes that bladder pain syndrome works the same way and that the immune system attacks the cell in and around the bladder.
Recent research has also shown that people that have bladder pain syndrome have substances in their urine that prevent the growth of the bladder cells. This growth is especially stunted in the bladder’s epithelium. However, the research also shows that stunted growth doesn’t actually cause interstitial cystitis. Rather, infections predispose these people to the condition and the pain that accompanies it.
One theory about the cause of pain in this condition involves the damage of the bladder’s lining. Also called the urothelium, a damaged lining is present in most people with bladder pain syndrome. The theory is that when the surface layer is damaged, by a urinary tract infection, for example, consumption of substances like coffees and sodas can cause urinary chemicals to find their way into the surrounding tissues. This then causes pain.
As mentioned earlier, several conditions are often associated with this syndrome. While some contribute to the pain experienced by individuals that have the condition, some others are simply diagnosed with painful bladder syndrome. The fact that these conditions are usually present in people who suffer from interstitial cystitis makes it more likely that it is caused by some of the factors linked to these other diseases.
Some of the associated conditions include:
In men, painful bladder syndrome is often accompanied by chronic nonbacterial prostatitis.
The majority of symptoms associated with this condition are centered around pain. However, the kind of pain and the frequency of occurrence often vary between individuals. Some of the symptoms include:
Interstitial cystitis was once believed to affect women in menopause. However, recent discovered have confirmed that it affects younger women as well. Studies reveal that the prevalence of interstitial cystitis is between 2.7 Million and 6.5 Million women. For men, between 1.8 Million and 4.2 Million are known to be affected.
Even though the cause of interstitial cystitis is not known, the following factors have been associated with a higher prevalence of the condition
Most individuals who have this condition are over the age of 30
Women are more likely to get interstitial cystitis in men.
Even though the relationship is unclear, having red hair and fair skin predisposes you to have painful bladder syndrome
Part of why interstitial cystitis is so difficult to manage is because so little is known about it. Not much is known about its cause or progression. As a result, there is no specific test that can be conducted to confirm the presence or absence of the condition. The diagnosis usually involves analyzing the signs and symptoms and looking at how well they fit the common symptoms associated with the condition.
Some diagnoses are made based on the lack of better explanations. Sometimes, if a person has pain around the bladder, and there are no identifiable causes, the person is diagnosed with painful bladder syndrome, and treated accordingly.
A process involving history taking, physical and neurological examination, and other tests are usually used in diagnosing the condition.
The history involves asking about the symptoms of the disease, including how severe the symptoms are and how long the individual has been experiencing them. The physical exams include examining the abdomen, prostate and rectum. These are done to rule out other conditions like pelvic pain.
Some other tests, like a cystoscopy, can be conducted to look inside the bladder. The test can rule out conditions like cancer. It can also help to determine the extent of inflammation as well as spot ulcers and bladder stones.
Just like with its diagnosis, there is no singular treatment for painful bladder syndrome, since it’s specific cause is unknown. The management of the condition depends on the symptoms that the individual presents with. And since these symptoms often vary from person to person, their treatment approach will also vary. Additionally, if there are other conditions that accompany interstitial cystitis, these are also addressed in the treatment method that’s used.
The treatment of painful bladder syndrome is often divided into five phases
These treatments are divided into phases because they are implemented that way. The phase one treatments go first, and if those fail to alleviate the symptoms, phase two treatments are used, and on it goes.
PHASE ONE
The first line of treatment includes education and lifestyle modification. A significant amount of interstitial cystitis resolves on its own without external intervention. So at this first phase, the focus is on
PHASE TWO
Drugs used in this phase include Amitriptyline and Hydroxyzine. Amitriptyline helps control bladder spasms, while Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can help regulate the frequency of urination
PHASE THREE
In this stage, the individual is usually referred to a specialist. Some of the treatments in phase three include neuromodulations therapy in which electrical impulses are delivered to the nerves around the bladder. These can help modify their actions. If the pain is caused by a nerve, this can also help. Bladder ulcers are also cauterized in this phase.
PHASE FOUR
Phase four includes a drug known as cyclosporine. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant and is quite effective in treating the symptoms of interstitial cystitis.
PHASE FIVE
Surgery is the final step in managing interstitial cystitis, and it is reserved for individuals whose pain and symptoms have not responded to all the other forms of treatments. The surgery is offered to people who have limited bladder capacity, or experience severe symptoms. The procedure is to divert urine away from the bladder. Most people do not require surgery for the treatment of bladder pain syndrome.
Here are answers to many of the frequently asked questions we receive.
Arthritis can be classified into several types. Osteoarthritis is caused by the normal aging process of the body, or could be a result of injury.
Rheumatoid arthritis, the most common type of arthritis, happens due to autoimmune problems, wherein the body’s own immune system attacks healthy cells of the body. Infectious arthritis is caused by an infection to the joint. Patients with psoriasis may be affected by Psoriatic arthritis. Finally, excessive uric acid in the body can cause Gout, an arthritis that often starts at the toe.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis. This disease causes chronic inflammation of the joints and can lead to deterioration of a variety of systems in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the membrane around the joints known as the synovium, which causes inflammation that thickens the synovium and ultimately deforms the cartilage and bone of the joints.
How common is it and who is at risk?
An estimated one percent of the entire world population suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. As the case with osteoarthritis, women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Other groups at risk are people middle-aged or older as well as those suffering from obesity. Rheumatoid arthritis risk is inheritable, which may be accelerated by smoking or unknown environmental exposures.
Signs of the disease include swollen, tender joints that may feel stiff, particularly in the mornings. Fever, fatigue, and loss of activity are also common symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to manifest initially in the smaller joints like those in the fingers and toes. Symptoms are exhibited in joints of other body parts as the disease spreads.
Diagnosis begins with a physical test checking for redness, warmth, and swelling as well as the state of reflexes in the affected joints. Multiple blood tests are conducted as people with rheumatoid arthritis usually have elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates and C-reactive protein levels. Additionally, X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds are conducted to track the spread of the disease.
While no cure exists as of now, research has revealed that the symptoms may be controlled by early application of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed depending on the case. Exercises to retain joint flexibility also provide some relief. If medications fail to slow down the disease, doctors may recommend surgery to repair or replace joints or swollen tendons.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory form of arthritis. This disease causes chronic inflammation of the joints and can lead to deterioration of a variety of systems in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the membrane around the joints known as the synovium, which causes inflammation that thickens the synovium and ultimately deforms the cartilage and bone of the joints.
How common is it and who is at risk?
An estimated one percent of the entire world population suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. As the case with osteoarthritis, women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Other groups at risk are people middle-aged or older as well as those suffering from obesity. Rheumatoid arthritis risk is inheritable, which may be accelerated by smoking or unknown environmental exposures.
Signs of the disease include swollen, tender joints that may feel stiff, particularly in the mornings. Fever, fatigue, and loss of activity are also common symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to manifest initially in the smaller joints like those in the fingers and toes. Symptoms are exhibited in joints of other body parts as the disease spreads.
Diagnosis begins with a physical test checking for redness, warmth, and swelling as well as the state of reflexes in the affected joints. Multiple blood tests are conducted as people with rheumatoid arthritis usually have elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates and C-reactive protein levels. Additionally, X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds are conducted to track the spread of the disease.
While no cure exists as of now, research has revealed that the symptoms may be controlled by early application of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed depending on the case. Exercises to retain joint flexibility also provide some relief. If medications fail to slow down the disease, doctors may recommend surgery to repair or replace joints or swollen tendons.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis within kids. It is characterized by persistent pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. The disease occurs when the body’s own tissues are attacked by its cells. In some cases, it can create more serious complications such as growth problems and eye inflammation.
It is the most common form of arthritis diagnosed in children under the age of sixteen. Certain gene mutations can make the body more vulnerable to the external environment, which can result in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis occurring. Although reasons are unknown, girls are more susceptible to Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis than boys.
Commonplace symptoms include joint pain or a limp caused by the pain, swelling of joints and stiffness of the joints that results in clumsiness by the child. In some cases, the disease can manifest as high fever and rashes.
Diagnosis for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is difficult as the pain and swelling in the joints could be attributed to a number of diseases. Quite a few blood tests are conducted to determine the status of markers like erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein levels, and quantity of anti-nuclear bodies, among others. However, many children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis show no abnormalities in these tests.
The treatment for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is geared towards making sure the child can maintain a regular level of physical activity. This can include different types of medication like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and swelling or disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in more severe cases. Biologic agents may be recommended to help prevent joint damage. Physical therapy can also help the child maintain a full range of motion with or without joint supports or splints based on the situation. Surgery is the most extreme option used to improve the position of the affected joint.
Brand Ambassador Gallery
The USA stem cell leader offers procedures in
7 Countries including:
SUCCESS STORIES
R3 STEM CELL MASTER CLASS
Learn everything you need to know about the ever expanding field of regenerative medicine in this 8 part series that includes over four hours of entertaining content!
R3 STEM CELL INTERNATIONAL
R3 Stem Cell International includes 45 clinics in 7 countries. These Centers of Excellence treat all types of conditions with safe, effective protocols by expert stem cell physicians.
FREE STEM CELL CONSULTATION
R3 Stem Cell offers a no cost consultation to see if you or a loved one is a candidate for regenerative cell therapies including cytokines, growth factors, exosomes, and stem cells.
PROVIDER PARTNERSHIP
The R3 Partnership Program offers providers an all-in-one regenerative practice program including marketing, consultations and booked procedures!
The information provided by R3 Stem Cell is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results may vary and only your medical professional can explain all the risks and potential benefits of any therapy based on your circumstances. R3 Stem Cell does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on this website. Reliance on any information provided by R3 Stem Cell, its employees, others appearing on this website at the invitation of R3 Stem Cell, or other visitors to the website is solely at your own risk. R3 Stem Cell is not responsible for the outcome of your procedure. The FDA considers stem cell therapy experimental at this point.
CALIFORNIA
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
HAWAII
IDAHO
ILLINOIS
INDIANA
IOWA
KANSAS
KENTUCKY
LOUISIANA
MARYLAND
MASSACHUSETTS
MICHIGAN
MINNESOTA
MISSISSIPPI
MISSOURI
NEBRASKA
NEW JERSEY
NEW YORK
NEW MEXICO
NEVADA
NORTH CAROLINA
OHIO
OKLAHOMA
OREGON
PENNSYLVANIA
RHODE ISLAND
SOUTH CAROLINA
SOUTH DAKOTA
TENNESSEE
The USA stem cell leader offers procedures in
7 Countries including:
Copyright © 2017-2024 R3 Stem Cell. All Rights Reserved.
