ABSTRACT
Interstitial cystitis also called bladder pain syndrome is a chronic condition that mainly affects the urinary bladder due to which many types of painful symptoms arise. It is characterised by inflammation of the lining of the bladder that can result in frequent urination, urgency of urination and discomfort. It is difficult to diagnose and manage, as its exact cause is not fully explained. Interstitial cystitis has a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals suffering from it, as its symptoms can be emotionally distressing. Early identification of interstitial cystitis is quite important because the symptoms of interstitial cystitis are very disturbing that affects the individual's life and also results in patients being referred to multiple specialists. Currently there are no specific urine or blood markers available for diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. The management tactics are based on a combined approach to eliminate or to reduce the symptoms of interstitial cystitis that helps in improving the quality of life, and intervene in possible disease mechanisms. In this article, we will discuss the causes, signs and symptoms and management of Interstitial cystitis with Ayurvedic and modern approach.
INTRODUCTION
Interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome is a chronic form of syndrome with no specific cause and a high level of suspicion is required for its clinical diagnosis. It affects females more than males. Except for the diseases that have similar signs and symptoms, a clinical diagnosis of interstitial cystitis is made when symptoms are long-term that last more than 6 months such as pressure, pain and discomfort thought to arise mainly from the bladder also including the frequent urination. In most of the cases, because interstitial cystitis is thought to be a diagnosis of exclusion, it is often recognized late and misdiagnosis is common, mainly in men as chronic pain in pelvic or chronic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or overactive bladder. Patients often report pain in the bladder as well as a feeling of an intense urge to urinate. This feeling tends to get worse as the bladder fills, but urination provides temporary relief, usually resulting in a rapid flow of urine and it can be during the day or night time. Urinary frequency is typically resistant to standard overactive bladder therapy, suggesting that a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis should be considered. There are also many other symptoms, like dysuria that means burning sensation and pain while passing urine, and there may be discomfort during or after intercourse that can result in painful intercourse (dyspareunia) in women and extremely painful ejaculation in men. These long-term symptoms have a profound impact on the patient's emotional and social well-being, as well as on his or her quality of life.
CAUSES OF INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome is not known, but it's likely that several factors may contribute to this condition. For example, patients with interstitial cystitis also have defects in the epithelium lining that is also known as the protective lining of the bladder. Toxins in urine can irritate your bladder wall due to leakage in the epithelium. Some other factors are also there but there is no proven research on those factors such as infection, hereditary or an autoimmune reaction.
HOW COMMON IS INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS?
It is quite common. It affects about 1 to 4 million men and about 3 to 8 million women
RISK FACTORS
- Sex - Women are more prone to have interstitial cystitis.
- Age - Interstitial cystitis mainly occurs after 30 years of age, But it may also affect the other age groups.
- Some other Pain disorder - It may be associated with another long-term pain disorder, such as IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) or fibromyalgia.
DIAGNOSIS
There are no specific urine or blood markers available for diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. But Some of the tests can help in evaluating the condition. They are:
- Pelvic Exam
- Cystoscopy
- Urine Cytology
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of interstitial cystitis vary from patient to patient. Symptoms may be mild to severe in every patient. Some of the symptoms are-
- Chronic Pelvic Pain
- Increased frequency of urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Discomfort and pain when the bladder fills and relief after urinating
- Pain in pelvic region in women
- Urgency of Passing urine
AYURVEDIC VIEW
In Ayurveda in interstitial cystitis, the vitiated pitta dosha combines with vata (Apana Vata) to reach the Basti (Bladder) and affect the Mutravaha srotas (urethra source), causing difficulty in urination. Excessive vitiation of Vata (Mainly ApanaVata) causes pain in the pelvic region and bladder.
Nidana (Causes) as per Ayurveda
- Excessive intake of liquids, cold food
- Suppression of urge to urinate
Symptoms according to Ayurveda
There are various symptoms such as:
- Basti shoola (pain in the Pelvic region) {Due to Vata dosha}
- Mutrakricha (Difficulty in urination) {Due to Pitta dosha}
- Daha (Burning sensation) {Due to Pitta dosha}
TREATMENT
Panchakarma therapy is the main procedure of Ayurvedic treatment that helps in purifying and detoxifying the body system. The various procedures that can perform in interstitial cystitis are:-
- Abhyanga (Massage): Full body oil massage which helps to rejuvenate both physical and mental health. It also improves blood circulation and opens up the blood vessels.
- Swedana (Sweating Therapy): Medicinal steam bath that restores metabolism by flushing out accumulated toxins from the body.
- Doing yoga asanas daily helps in providing strength to the pelvic region and urinary system which effectively manages the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Some of the best yoga asanas for interstitial cystitis are Padmasana, Makarasana and Mandukasana.
DIET AND LIFESTYLE
- It is important to drink enough fluids every day to prevent urinary system problems.
- People living or working in a humid environment sweat more, which leads to loss of water from the body. This can lead up to urinary problems. People living in such an environment should drink adequate amounts of fluids like water, coconut water, and fruit juices which helps in preventing urinary infection.
- Consuming more fruits and vegetables will help boost immunity and also helps in preventing frequent attacks of infections.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified ayurvedic company that makes herbal supplements or products by using the ancient techniques. In modern there are various drugs that helps in managing this condition such as NSAIDs antidepressants, antihistamine, nerve stimulation etc. but prolong use of these drugs can cause various side effects but Ayurvedic herbal formulations are safe to use because they are free from any chemicals, preservatives,etc. They don't cause any side effects but give benefits. Planet Ayurveda has a great combination of herbal formulation for interstitial cystitis which is an IC care pack that contains 5 herbal formulations. They are:
PRODUCTS LIST
- Chandraprabha Vati
- Chandanadi Vati
- Punarnava Mandoor
- Varunadi Vati
- Boswellia Curcumin
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1. Chandraprabha Vati
Chandraprabha vati is blend of 23 herbs such as Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabinum), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Amlaki (Emblica officinale), etc. It balances all the three dosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). These herbs possess various properties like anti-inflammatory, diuretic, analgesic properties. which helps in reducing the inflammation, retention of urine and pain in the pelvic area. It helps in preventing the build-up of toxins and flushes them out through urine by increasing urine flow. It also helps in reducing the burning sensation in urine caused due to interstitial cystitis.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day after meals.
2. Chandanadi Vati
Chandanadi Vati is a polyherbal formulation consisting of various herbs such as Shweta Chandan (Santalum album), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), etc. It helps to resolve interstitial cystitis by controlling urination, reducing inflammation. It helps to balance pitta dosha due to its pitta balancing properties which helps to reduce burning sensation due to its coolant properties.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day after meals.
3. Punarnava Mandur
Punarnava mandur is a blend of herbal formulation that contains Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Marich (Piper nigrum), etc. It helps in balancing the pitta and vata dosha due to its vata and Pitta balancing properties. These herbs possess anti- inflammatory (Shothahara), Diuretic (Mutral), antioxidant, rejuvenating (Rasayan) properties which help in maintaining the health of the urinary system. It also helps in managing the symptoms of interstitial cystitis like pain in pelvic area, frequent urination.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day after meals.
4. Varunadi Vati
It is polyherbal formulation which contains Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) and Shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora mukul). These herbs possess diuretic (Mutral) property which helps in retention of urine and also helps in relieving the burning sensation of urine. It also assists in maintaining the healthy flow of urine. These herbs also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help in reducing the inflammation of the pelvic area and remove the toxins from the body.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day after meals.
5. Boswellia Curcumin
Boswellia curcumin capsules contain two herbs that are Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma longa). These herbs possesses anti- inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic and antioxidant properties that help in managing the symptoms of interstitial cystitis such as pain, inflammation in the pelvic region. It also helps in maintaining the healthy urinary system. It also helps in flushing out the accumulated toxins from the body.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day after meals.
CONCLUSION
Interstitial Cystitis is a chronic condition that affects the urinary system and causes various painful symptoms that can disturb the normal life of the patient. Early diagnosis and management is very necessary in interstitial cystitis because this condition may look like other diseases. The prolonged use of modern drugs can lead upto various other conditions, but Ayurveda's herbs doesn't cause any side effects and is very beneficial in interstitial cystitis. It helps in management of interstitial cystitis without causing any harm to the other organ.
