Interstitial Cystitis
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder caused by bacterial infection, which frequently accompanies a urinary tract infection (UTI) and is usually treated with antibiotics. Combining antibiotic therapy with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in cystitis can significantly shorten the therapy time and reduce the symptoms of pain and discomfort.
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder that usually affects women. Common symptoms are frequent, urgent, and painful urination and pelvic discomfort. The cause of the IC poorly understood. The predominant theory is that the lining of the bladder that protects the bladder from toxins in the urine breaks down, allowing toxins to irritate the bladder wall, causing inflammation, pain and inability to store urine. In about 10 5 of the cases of interstitial cystitis the wound will form on the bladder wall called Hunner's ulcer or Hunner's lesion and like any wound they can ooze, bleed, vary in size and pain level. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a proven adjunctive therapy in wound healing and can be also very helpful in treatment of Interstitial cystitis. Clinical studies show that 30 hyperbaric sessions at the pressures above 2.2 atmospheres can significantly reduce the overall bladder inflammation, reduce urgency of having to urinate, minimize the pain, increase bladder capacity and improve overall quality of life.
Treatment for interstitial cystitis typically involves a combination of approaches, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, physical therapy, and medications. Some of these treatments aim to reduce inflammation and manage pain, while others focus on improving bladder health and function.
