Interstitial Cystitis
Also known as: Hunner's ulcer
What is it?
Interstitial cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder
characterized by pain when the bladder is filling and
relief when it is emptying. It is sometimes mistaken for
the onset of cancer of the bladder.
Who gets it?
Interstitial cystitis affects more women than men, the
majority of them over 40 years of age. Many of these
patients report that they had bladder problems in
childhood. In addition, there appears to be a higher
prevalence in Jewish women.
What causes it?
Although the exact cause of interstitial cystitis is
unknown, many doctors believe the condition is associated
with an autoimmune or allergic response. Associated
diseases include severe allergies, irritable bowel
syndrome, or inflammatory bowel disease.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of interstitial cystitis include pain while
the bladder is filling that is relieved with urination.
Patients diagnosed with interstitial cystitis also report
an increase in the frequency and urgency of urination,
especially at night. The bladder wall becomes inflamed,
ulcerated, and scarred, which causes the frequent, painful
urination. Additionally, there may be blood in the urine,
leaking, and occasionally fever and chills.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose interstitial cystitis, a doctor will
perform a urinalysis and urine culture to rule out any
other infectious causes. The doctor will examine the
patient’s medical history to rule out such causes as
exposure to radiation. The doctor may also perform a test
called urinary cytology to rule out any malignancy of the
bladder. A biopsy may be needed to exclude any other
causes.
What is the treatment?
While there is no cure of interstitial cystitis,
symptoms can be treated through distension of the bladder
and either cauterization of the ulcers or washing out the
bladder weekly until the inflammation clears. Both
procedures are performed with the patient under
anesthesia. A doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids to
control inflammation.
Other treatments may include transcutaneous electric
nerve stimulation (TENS) and acupuncture. Surgical therapy
for interstitial cystitis is usually only considered as a
last resort and may require a procedure called
cystourethrectomy with urinary diversion. It is very rare
surgery is needed to treat interstitial cystitis.
Self-care tips
Interstitial cystitis should be seriously considered as
the cause of, or a contributor to, chronic pelvic pain.
Recent research suggests it might be present in
approximately one third of patients with this type of
pain. While there is no cure, interstitial cystitis is
usually easily treated and the symptoms can often be
controlled.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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