Interstitial Cystitis
Cystitis refers to infection or inflammation of the bladder. If the bladder has been invaded by bacteria, the term “bacterial cystitis” is sometimes used. But most people know this type of bladder infection simply as “cystitis”.
Sometimes, a person might experience some of the symptoms of a bladder infection. You might have pelvic pain, an urge to go to the bathroom more during the night, perhaps some discomfort when you void your bladder, maybe even some incontinence.
Bladder inflammation without any infection is known as interstitial cystitis, also known by the initials “IC.” What causes this form of bladder problem? What can you do about it?
What causes interstitial cystitis?
No one really knows what causes IC. We do know that just as females are far more likely to have bacterial cystitis, they also incorporate 90% of IC cases. There are conditions and illnesses that are sometimes associated with it. Some of these include:
- Defect in bladder epithelium (cells that line the inside of the bladder wall)
- Neurogenic (nerves in the bladder can be overly sensitive, triggering a painful response to sensations that are normally noticeable, but not painful, such as feeling the urge to urinate)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (there is a very high correlation between IC and various bowel problems)
- Lupus
- Sjogrens syndrome
- Scleroderma
- Fibromyalgia
- Unidentified infection (sometimes IC could be caused by an undetected pathogen)
Three reasons why diagnosing IC is harder than bacterial UTI
Interstitial cystitis is harder to diagnose than bacterial cystitis. According to some authorities, many people endure as long as four years before a diagnosis of IC is confirmed.
There are three main reasons for this. First, IC symptoms mimic bacterial UTI symptoms. Second, since there is actually no infection, and the symptoms are usually less acute than an active infection, people hesitate to seek treatment. Third, there is no specific test to diagnose IC.
IC is also harder to treat than its infectious cousin. On the other hand, it is generally not as serious a condition. This is not to say that all IC cases are mild. Severe cases are seen where the patient has to go to the bathroom 60 times a day. There can be intense pain in the bladder area and sex can be painful as well.
Tried and true ways to treat IC
IC is a chronic illness for which there is no cure. Treatment focuses on symptoms, which can be challenging, since symptoms can vary widely from one person to another.
Should you ever face the prospect of dealing with interstitial cystitis, there are a few things that have proven effective for many sufferers. Any one or a combination of the treatments outlined below has been shown to provide relief.
- Stop smoking (many smokers report relief of IC symptoms when they stopped, plus they greatly lessen the chance of bladder cancer)
- Avoid certain foods that seem to worsen your symptoms (caffeinated drinks, citrus or other acidic foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and soft drinks seem to be the worst offenders)
- Exercise (gentle stretching exercises have been reported to lessen pain)
- NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help alleviate discomfort)
- Surgery (a last resort if other methods are insufficiently ineffective)
It is important to note that treatment for IC can be a lifelong ordeal. 80% of those who have had bacterial cystitis will suffer multiple infections. Also, most people who have had IC will likely have a relapse, even if years pass between bouts.