IC and allergies?

[Sheila6830]

I saw a specialist today (finally) and he is great. I have 2 more visits with him to go through all the tests. But, one thing he mentioned is that the inflammation coupled with the fact that I am in pain from about April - September could signal severe allergies. In the past I have taken steriods and they have helped, but I can't take steroids everyday. This also may explain why the Atarax helps (but makes me loopy).

He said that my bladder wall is probably inflammed and a mess due to possible allergies. I've thought that before too. There are times of the year when I can drink/eat all the coffee, wine, mexican food, tomatoes, etc. I want and I have no pain or urgency. But once summer hits, I am in severe pain. I even thought it was my pool that was causing the problem.

He also said it looked like I have inflammation in other parts of my body and I was low in estrogen. Does more estrogen help inflammation?

Is there any research about severe allergic inflammation throughout the body?

[ICNDonna]

One of the things I have learned since I developed IC is that any other physical problem can increase IC symptoms. I have developed some allergies to medications, but I think that's because I have been "over-exposed" to some of them. When I was a little girl, antibiotics were given for every possible problem, including a pimple on my nose! So I developed allergies to both penicillin and sulfonomides.

Donna

[NewLife]

I'll comment on the estrogen question. It does appear to help inflammation for me. Sometimes I have slight difficulty breathing, and eating soy yogurt (high in estrogen) in the past always helped with that but brought on my IC. Little did I know that soy was not IC - friendly! However, there is also a theory that mast cells have estrogen receptors and, therefore, increasing estrogens in the body also increases IC symptoms. That is true for me because my IC gets worse during ovulation, when estrogen levels increase. So, in summary, it does not appear to me that allergies and IC and be managed in the same manner by increasing the amount of estrogen in the system. It did not work for me. I actually used to wonder why I either had breathing difficulties, which I treated with soy yogurt, or IC flares, but not both. Now I know.

As far as allergies--my uro was very vague about it when answering my question. He said that the cause of IC is unknown but, if I do identify my allergy triggers and avoid then, it may help. I am getting tested for allergies soon. If you are interested in that topic, google IgE and IgG allergies.

[girl]

I don't know about the estrogen, but my very severe allergies certainly make my IC worse. I always flare from about March - end of June, get a bit better for July and the first of August, and then horrible, horrible flares until the second or third freeze (usually November).

I take Zyretc twice a day (it's second generation Atarax - doesn't make you as sleepy) and Singulair for allergies and asthma. I take steroids in the spring and fall, and Benadryl liberally.

I have found that the more I can keep my allergies under control, the better my IC will be. This fall will be the first time I haven't had continous steroids for the fall (only dose packs) and we will be using rescue heparin instills more.

So I would certainly try the antihistimines; you do usually acclimate to the medication after some time has passed. Good luck!

[Sheila6830]

Thank you so much. I thought I was the only one that had allergy induced flares! When my uro told me that my severe bladder & urethra inflammation was due to allergies (because it happens like clockwork - every mid-May through Sept) I couldn't believe it.

I have increased my Atarax to 75mg a day - may go up to 100mg a day. It does seem to help dull the pain. Weird thing is that it doesn't help my nasal allergies, so I have been taking Claritan as well during the day.

Wow - you take 2 Zyrtec? Thats a lot. Before I tried Atarax I tried Alegra, but it bothered my bladder. Maybe I'll go back to the Zyrtec. I also take Singulair.

I see my uro again on Friday and I'm sure he'll start me on steriods and lots of antihistamines.

The bad thing is that even if I'm not have skin, sinus or eye allergies, once my bladder fares in the spring it stays that way until the weather changes - which is a long, long time in Texas.

I wonder if moving to another state would help. I'll do anything at this point.

[Krisssy]

I had a severe allergic reaction on my arms to a suntan lotion. I was putting large amounts of cortisone and Desiten on both arms as well as taking B:mad:enedryl orally. I got a flare up and have not gotten better since. :mad:

[judy45]

I have severe sinus allergies from sept - may. I am trying to keep them under control with acupuncture and flonase, however I have tried vistaril and it flared me horribly! which is so disappointing because I thought this was the answer for me since I have such bad allergies. I have been wanting to try zyrtec (heard alot of good things about it) bought a bottle and am too chicken!!!!!

[Krisssy]

That is so strange that Vistaril caused a flare, as that is one of the meds they give for IC.

[Charisse]

My IC is always worse from March through September too. Before I even knew I had IC I could track these mysterious flare-ups to springtime. My hydro showed severe urethral inflammation in July of '07. I am seeing a new urologist later this month. I think I will give the Zyrtec a try cause I didn't tolerate Atarax too well and Benadryl doesn't seem to do anything for my bladder. Singulair helps and I take two Claritin a day but I don't think that helps my IC as much as my nose. Elmiron is my main treatment and it supposedly helps with inflammation too. I have fibro and low estrogen definitely makes all my other muscles hurt bad. I don't think the estrogen helps my IC though but I'm not sure on this.