kidney and urinary tract disorders
Interstitial Cystitis
Introduction
Interstitial cystitis is noninfectious bladder inflammation. Interstitial cystitis causes pain over the bladder, in the pelvis, or in the lower abdomen, and the frequent and urgent need to urinate, sometimes with incontinence. Doctors examine the inside of the bladder with a flexible viewing tube (cystoscopy) and sometimes do a biopsy of the bladder. There is no cure, but symptoms can be relieved with changes in diet and urination habits, medications to relieve pain, andpentosan. (See also Control of Urination .) Interstitial cystitis was once thought to be relatively uncommon. However, doctors now think it may be more common than originally thought and that it may be responsible for other problems, such as chronic pelvic pain. Although men and children can be affected, about 90% of cases of interstitial cystitis occur in women. The cause is unknown. But doctors think that damage to the cells lining the bladder may allow substances in urine to irritate the bladder. Cells usually involved with allergic reactions (mast cells) may be involved in bladder changes, but their exact role is unclear. 