- Hunner's Ulcers
Hunner's Ulcers occur in 5 to 10 percent of people who have the disease
Interstitial cystitis .They form on the wall of the bladder and, like anyulcer , they can bleed, ooze and vary in size. They were first described byDr. Guy LeRoy Hunner , 1868–1957, a Baltimore urologist, in a paper delivered to the Boston Medical Society in 1915 [1] .Diagnoses
Hunner's Ulcers can only be accurately diagnosed via a cystoscopy with
hydrodistention . The procedure is performed while the patient is undergeneral anaesthetic and is listed as a day surgery.Treatment
While patients consider therapies, they may find significant relief by modifying their diet to remove those foods and beverages high in acid AND caffeine, particularly all coffees (even decaf), regular teas, green teas, sodas, artificial sugars and most fruit juices. Cranberry juice, for example, can trigger intense pain and discomfort due to its high acid level.
The ulcers can be removed through
fulguration (burned off with the use of electricity or a laser) orresection (cutting around the ulcer, removing both the ulcer and the surrounding inflamed tissue). Some ulcers may recur in the same location.Many patients choose to live with the ulcers and treat the symptoms associated with them through bladder
instillations or/and pain medication/therapy.Prevention
The drug
Elmiron helps to prevent the formation of Hunner's Ulcers by coating the bladder wall, thus making it harder for the acid in urine to irritate the bladder wall lining, which can lead to ulceration.Notes
1. J. P. MacDermott, G. L. Charpied, H. Tesluk and A. R. Stone. Histological changes in interstitial cystitis. International Urogynecology Journal, Volume 4, Number 4, 1993, 246-249.
upport Organizations
Interstitial Cystitis Network (ICN) - http://www.ic-network.com
Diet Resources
* [http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/diet.html ICN - Top Five List of Forbidden Foods]
* A Taste of the Good Life: A Cookbook For An IC Diet
* Confident Choices - Customizing the IC Diet
* The ICN Special Report on DietOther Links
* [http://www.ic-network.com/handbook/ ICN Patient handbook, includes information on treatments for Hunner's Ulcers]
* [http://www.aafp.org/afp/20011001/1199.html AAFP information on Interstitial Cystitis. Includes a picture of an IC bladder with Hunner's ulcer(s)]
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