Interstitial cystitis, which is also referred to as painful bladder syndrome, is a condition characterized by pain, discomfort or pressure in the bladder and occasionally, pelvic pain. The bladder pain results from a chronic inflammation of the bladder wall. Women are ten times more likely to be affected by interstitial cystitis than men, according to Medline Plus.
Causes
The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown. It is believed that autoimmune disorders, heredity, infections and allergies play a role in the development of the syndrome. A defect in the epithelium, or protective lining, of the bladder is thought to allow toxic substances from the urine to leak into the bladder, resulting in inflammation and causing the pain and discomfort.
Symptoms
A combination of bladder pain and a frequent, urgent need to urinate are the most common symptoms in those affected by interstitial cystitis. Other symptoms vary from person to person and include pain in the pelvis, pain during sexual intercourse and pain or discomfort during urination. In women affected by the syndrome, symptoms often get worse during menstruation, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Diagnosis
There is no single test to determine the presence of interstitial cystitis. Instead, a diagnosis is given by ruling out other possibilities for the bladder pain and frequent urination. In order to do this, a series of tests are given. These tests include a complete pelvic exam, a biopsy of the bladder and a urine analysis, which can rule out the presence of bladder cancer or a urinary tract infection. Other testing methods include a bladder endoscopy, performed by inserting a small camera into the bladder; and a potassium sensitivity test, which is used to test the urgency of the need to urinate.
Treatment
Once interstitial cystitis is diagnosed, treatment methods are aimed at the relief of symptoms. Drug treatments include pain medications to reduce bladder pain, antidepressants to relax the bladder and antihistamines to reduce frequency of urination. Other treatment includes nerve stimulation, which uses electrical impulses to relieve bladder pain, or bladder distention, which is the filling of the bladder with fluid or gas in an attempt to stretch it. Surgery is rarely considered because removal of part of the bladder usually does not relieve pain symptoms.
Complications
Most of the complications associated with interstitial cystitis are emotional. The chronic pain felt in the bladder can disrupt normal daily life and result in a lack of sleep, which leads to emotional stress and depression. The need to urinate frequently may also disrupt daily life because of the need to always be near a restroom. Some people affected with interstitial cystitis urinate up to 60 times per day, according to Mayo Clinic. Interstitial cystitis can also cause the bladder wall to stiffen, which can lead to a permanent decrease in bladder capacity.
