Irritable bladder syndrome, also called interstitial cystitis, affects nearly 700,000 Americans, according to Aetna Intellihealth. This condition, more common in women than men, presents with frequent or painful urination due to an irritation or inflammation of the bladder wall. Symptoms cannot be treated with antibiotics because the condition is not the result of an infection. There are no specific causes of irritable bladder syndrome, and WomensHealth.gov reports that the syndrome may result from a single factor, or a combination of several factors.
Bladder Wall Defects
A defect in the bladder wall may irritate the bladder, leading to irritable bladder syndrome. In a healthy human body, the lining of the bladder wall protects the bladder from toxin's in the urine. FamilyDoctor.org reveals 70 percent of people with irritable bladder syndrome suffer from a leak in the bladder lining, which may cause irritation to the bladder from exposure to urine. This irritation provokes the urge to urinate, a common symptom of irritable bladder syndrome.
Increased Histamine Levels
FamilyDoctor.org states that there are histamine-producing cells in the bladder wall, and that an increase in these cells may cause irritable bladder syndrome. Histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction, may aggravate the bladder, leading to the inflammation of the bladder, much as histamines may stimulate allergy symptoms.
Antiproliferative Factor Production
The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals indicates that a protein called called antiproliferative factor, of APF, may contribute to the cause of irritable bladder syndrome. This protein prevents new bladder cells from reproducing, and irritable bladder syndrome sufferers have higher levels of APF in the urine, which in turn leads to irritable bladder syndrome symptoms.
