Emergency Room Visits and Interstitial Cystitis

Video transcribed below👇

Individuals with Interstitial Cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) experience frequent and urgent urination 🚽 , pelvic pain, and other urinary symptoms that can lead to increased emergency 🚨 room (ER) visits compared to those without the condition, according to research.

Interstitial Cystitis patients may also have other conditions that require emergency 🆘 care, such as mental health issues, which can be exacerbated during symptom flares🔥.

Why Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome patients may visit the Emergency Room:

Severe Pain: Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome can cause intense pelvic pain and bladder spasms, which may require immediate pain management in an ER setting.
Urgency and Frequency: Frequent and urgent urination can disrupt sleep 🛌 and daily activities, potentially leading to ER visits for symptom relief.
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Treatment: Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome can be misdiagnosed as urinary tract infections (UTIs), leading to unnecessary ER visits and treatment.
Mental Health: Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome is associated with depression and anxiety, which can require ER visits 🏥 for mental health crises during symptom flares, according to some studies.
Flare-ups: Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome symptoms can flare up suddenly and intensely, requiring immediate medical🥼 attention.

Impact of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome on Healthcare Utilization:

Increased ER Visits: Patients with IC/BPS have a significantly higher rate of ER visits compared to those without the condition.
Overall Healthcare Costs: Increased healthcare utilization, including ER visits, contributes to higher overall healthcare costs for IC/BPS patients.
Outpatient Visits: Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome patients also have more outpatient visits, as they seek medical care for diagnosis, treatment, and symptom management.
Psychiatric Care: Due to the psychological impact of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome, patients may require psychiatric care, further increasing healthcare utilization.

In summary, the chronic and unpredictable nature of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome symptoms, along with its potential psychological impact, can lead to increased healthcare utilization, including a higher frequency of emergency room visits.