From the Research
Diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS)
- The diagnosis of IC/BPS is challenging due to the lack of a "gold standard" for diagnosis and the complexity of the disease 1.
- The etiology and pathophysiology of IC/BPS are not fully understood, and multiple theories have been proposed, including chronic inflammation, autoimmune dysregulation, and urothelial dysfunction 2, 3.
- Diagnosis is often based on clinical presentation, medical history, and the exclusion of other conditions that may cause similar symptoms 2.
- Visual analogue scales, pain questionnaires, and other techniques may be used to assess symptoms and monitor treatment response 1.
Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis (IC)/Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS)
- Treatment of IC/BPS typically involves a personalized and progressive approach, starting with conservative options and progressing to more invasive and combined treatments as needed 4.
- Behavioral changes, such as dietary modifications and bladder training, are often recommended as the first line of treatment 4, 5.
- Oral medications, intravesical instillations, and procedures such as hydrodistension may be used to manage symptoms and improve quality of life 4, 3, 5.
- Multidisciplinary treatment approaches, including pelvic floor physical therapy and pain management, may be beneficial for patients with IC/BPS, particularly those with non-Hunner lesion IC/BPS 5.
- Ongoing research is needed to better understand the pathophysiology and phenotypes of IC/BPS and to develop more effective and targeted treatments 3, 5.