INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS

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What is INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS (IC)?

Characterized by chronic urgency (feeling need to urinate) and frequency (frequent urinating) with or without pelvic pain
Cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder
Bacterial cystitis refers to an infection in the bladder whereas in interstitial cystitis there are no infectious organisms identified
90% of patients with IC are women
Average onset is age 40
Over time may cause damage to bladder wall causing scarring and stiffing of bladder wall leading to decreased bladder capacity

Causes?

Exact cause is unknown
Some think that one of the layers of the bladder that helps protect the bladder from toxic substances in the urine, leaks allowing these substances to pass through and irritate the bladder wall itself

Treatment?

The main oral medication helps repair the lining of the bladder
It takes a long time for this repair to occur
About 1/3 to 2/3 of patients will see an improvement in about 3 to 4 months
Most doctors will wait a year before determining if the medication is effective or not

Diagnosis

The symptoms of IC are similar to other disorders so testing may include a urinalysis, urine culture, potassium sensitivity test, cystoscopy, and biopsy of bladder wall
Potassium Sensitivity Test
The bladder is filled with a saline/potassium solution
The severity of the discomfort determines a positive or negative result
78% of women with IC have a positive result
2% of women without IC have a positive result

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms vary greatly from person to person
May include urinary urgency, frequency, frequent urination at night, pain with bladder filling that is relieved with urination, feelings of pressure and pain around the bladder, painful intercourse or pelvic pain.

Foods that may cause worsening of symptoms

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