August 21st, 2015
An inflammation of the bladder, hemorrhagic cystitis is a condition in which the patient experiences irritable bowel syndrome and bladder pain. In other words, it is the onset of hematuria or blood in the urine.
The condition is commonly caused by chemotherapy medications and drugs prescribed for leukemia, lymphoma, and blood and marrow cancers. The breaking down of these medications in the body produces a byproduct, known as acrolein. The byproduct can irritate tissues when it travels to the bladder, causing ulcers and cystitis that can cause serious bleeding.
The condition may also be caused by certain viruses, like JC virus and adenovirus. People with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk, especially those recovering from stem cell transplant and leukemia.
Radiation therapy can also cause irritation of the bladder, leading to hemorrhagic cystitis.
The symptoms of hemorrhagic cystitis include:
While bleeding is the most common symptom of hemorrhagic cystitis, some patients may experience atrophy of the bladder, bladder wall scarring, and severe systemic infection.
Oncology patients are at a great risk for developing hemorrhagic cystitis. Other risks include:
The infected person can suffer from severe blood loss. Bladder ulcers provide entry points for bacteria to enter your bloodstream, which risks causing permanent scarring of the bladder lining. This could cause bladder constriction or blockage of the urinary tract. Prompt treatment becomes critically important in such a condition.
For patients undergoing chemotherapy, the best way to prevent hemorrhagic cystitis is to drink plenty of intravenous fluids so that chemo medications quickly pass through the bladder. Taking chemotherapy early in the day will give your body an opportunity to clear it from the bladder. Diuretics are also administered to clear chemo from the body before it can cause ulceration.
Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Elist
Through experience, empathy, and patient empowerment, Dr. Elist offers a comprehensive and detail-oriented treatment plan for every patient. Schedule your consultation to discuss treatments for men in Los Angeles with premier surgeon Dr. James Elist, and begin your journey confident that your best results are just ahead of you.