Ask Dr. Kent . . .

Recently, I had a patient that came in complaining of painful urination that was frequent and associated with pelvic pain and painful intercourse. Urine cultures have been negative for any bacteria. I sent her to an urologist for work up as I was concerned she could have interstitial cystitis/ Painful Bladder Syndrome.

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that mainly affects women, about 1 million people in the US alone. The cause of the condition is unknown. Many times, patients with this condition are often misdiagnosed with urinary tract infections and can go several years before being properly diagnosed. Symptoms of interstitial cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome are: urinary urgency and frequency, painful urination and often pelvic pain and painful intercourse. The cause is unknown but is believed that the pain is associated with damage to the lining of the bladder. Urinary tract infection should be ruled out by a patient’s primary care physician.

Diagnosis of interstitial cystitis can be accomplished with questionnaires and evaluation of the bladder with cystoscopy and other tests involving potassium sensitivity of the bladder and response of the bladder to anesthetic solutions placed in the bladder using buffered lidocaine. Elmiron is the only FDA approved treatment that is instilled in the bladder and pentosan polysulfate sodium is the only approved oral treatment. Oftentimes antihistamines and tricyclic antidepressants are also sometimes used.

There are some small clinical trials suggesting that avoiding certain foods such as: alcoholic beverages, citrus fruits, tomatoes, carbonated drinks, and spicy foods helped alleviate interstitial cystitis symptoms. For more information, contact your local primary care physician.

Dr. Alana Kent www.lifetimemedicalcenter.com