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Alternative names Return to top
Cystitis - interstitialDefinition Return to top
Interstitial cystitis is a bladder condition caused by chronic inflammation, leading to difficulties with urination.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is an inflammation of the tissues of the bladder wall, with no known infectious (bacterial, viral, or fungal) cause. The condition is identified through a diagnosis of exclusion.
Women are 10 times more likely to be affected than men. The condition is more common in Jewish women and is rare in African-Americans.
IC generally occurs during the third or fourth decades of life. For the average person with interstitial cystitis, there is a 4-year delay between the time the first symptoms occur and the diagnosis. This demonstrates both the difficulty of diagnosis and how infrequently this condition is suspected.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Diagnosis is made by ruling out other causes. Urine analysis, urine culture, and urine cytology tests are essential.
Usually, cystoscopy (endoscopy of bladder) and bladder biopsy are performed. The characteristic finding of interstitial cystitis during cystoscopy is pinpoint bleeding in the lining of the bladder.
Video urodynamics may also be performed.
Treatment Return to top
There are no standard or consistently effective treatments for interstitial cystitis. Results vary from individual to individual. As long as the cause is unknown, treatment is based on trial and error until relief is found.
Some of the treatments that have been tried include:
Support Groups Return to top
For additional information and support, see interstitial cystitis support groups.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Treatment results vary. Some people respond well to simple treatments. Others may require extensive treatments or surgery to relieve symptoms.
Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of interstitial cystitis. Be sure to mention that you suspect this disorder. It is not well-recognized nor is it easily diagnosed.
Update Date: 5/4/2004 Updated by: Scott M. Gilbert, M.D., Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |