Suggest Treatment To Clear Up Interstitial Cystitis

Posted on Tue, 27 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 Answered on

Tue, 16 May 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I am having a flare up of interstitial cystitis. It started nine days ago and just won't go away. I haven't seen a doctor because I don't know if there's anything they can do. I have sudden urgency, burning pain when I go, and some pelvic and lower back pain. I've had no fever so I don't think there's an infection. Is there any treatment that will help clear this up? I had a cystoscope done two years ago and this is the first flare up I've had that's lasted this long or been this painful. I don't know what to do to get any relief.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
IC flare

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

The medication you listed including Amitriptyline, Pyridium and local heat are usually used to treat such a flare. However, it is a complex condition and one modality may not work for every single patient. The primary concern would be to rule out an infectious cause as it can occur without associated fever. Urinalysis should be done to look for evidence.

If there is no infectious cause then 2 teaspoon of soda bicarbonate in 250 ml of water can be taken to reverse the flare. Allovera juice with mint leaves has also shown improvement in many cases. Pregabalin and Lorazepam can be advised additionally to suppress the urgency and pain associated with IC.

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action. Wishing you the best of health. Let me know if you have any query.

Thank you.

Regards,
Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil
General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Thank you so much for your answer and your suggestions. I have made an appointment with my doctor in a couple of days. I'm concerned because a couple of years ago I thought it was just cystitis and I ended up in the hospital with a kidney infection that had spread to the bloodstream. I was extremely sick for several days and I don't want to take any chances again. It's so frustrating because it's hard to tell how serious these flare ups are. Thank you again and I will mention your suggestions to my doctor.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most welcome

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

You are most welcome. You may follow up the progress and apprise your doctor about the above options.

Wishing you the best of health.

Regards,
Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil
General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy