What is interstitial cystitis also know as painful bladder syndrome (PBS/IC)?
"Interstitial cystitis (IC) is pronounced “int‐uhr‐STISH‐uhl siss‐TYT‐uhss.”
The word interstitial refers to the space or interstice ‐ an empty space or gap between spaces full of structure or matter. In this case we are talking about the space within the bladder. Cystitis ‐cyst [from Greek kystis bladder, sac] and “itis,” the suffix most commonly used to indicate inflammation. Interstitial Cystitis means inflammation within the bladder sac.
Interstitial cystitis — also called painful bladder syndrome — is a chronic condition characterized by a combination of uncomfortable bladder pressure, bladder pain and pain in your pelvis, which can range from mild burning or discomfort to severe pain.
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition that can have a long‐lasting adverse impact on your quality of life. The severity of symptoms caused by interstitial cystitis often fluctuates, and some people may experience periods of remission.
Although there's no treatment that reliably eliminates interstitial
cystitis, a variety of medications and other therapies are offered and give only temporary relief. Physical Therapy and diet have shown the most promise in relieving painful symptoms.
Pelvic Pain is one of the most common medical problems facing women today; however, it is a condition that is rarely discussed outside of the doctor’s office. The International Pelvic Pain Society estimates that more than 15 million people suffer from chronic bladder and pelvic pain worldwide. Although more prevalent in women, it does not discriminate against gender, age or race.
Painful Bladder Causes:
Little is known about the cause of PBS/IC. Many studies have shown that patients with IC have abnormalities in the lining of the bladder. However, it is not known if these bladder abnormalities are the cause of symptoms or if the abnormalities develop as a result of some unknown underlying disorder that also causes painful bladder symptoms.
It is likely that the nerves in the bladder become highly sensitive to pain and pressure as PBS/IC develops. Nerves outside the bladder, including nerves of the abdomen, pelvis, and hips, and legs, may also become more sensitive.
One or more events may lead to the symptoms of PBS/IC, including:
> Urinary tract infection
> An episode of vaginitis or prostatitis (e.g., a yeast infection of the vagina or a bacterial infection of the prostate)
>Bladder, pelvic, back, or other type of surgery
>Trauma (e.g., fall onto the tailbone [coccyx] or car accident)
> Sexual Abuse
However, in many people, there is no clear explanation for why or how the symptoms of PBS/IC firs began. The most common is urinary tract infection.
Painful Bladder Symptoms:
The symptoms of PBS/IC can vary from one person to another and from one episode to another. All patients with PBS/IC have bladder pain that is relieved at least partially by urinating. Symptoms usually include a frequent and urgent need to urinate throughout the day and/or night. Most, although not all, people with PBS/IC do not have urinary leakage (incontinence). Most people describe pain in the suprapubic area (in the lower abdomen, above the pubic bone) or urethral area. Some people describe one‐sided lower abdominal pain or low back pain. The pain can range from mild burning to severe and debilitating pelvic pain. Some people have several pain‐related diagnoses, such as irritable bowel syndrome, painful menstrual periods, endometriosis, vulvar pain (vulvodynia), or fibromyalgia.
Symptoms may vary from one day to the next. Worsening of PBS/IC symptoms may occur after consuming certain food combination's or drinks or during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (14 to 28 days after the first day of the last period), during stressful times, or after activities such as exercise, sexual intercourse, or being seated for long periods of time (e.g., during a plane trip). A person with severe disease may have to urinate several times per hour, which can seriously disrupt daily activities and sleep. As a result of these symptoms, home and work life is often disrupted, interest in sex may dissipate, and the person may have difficulty coping with chronic pain and fatigue. In surveys, 50 percent of patients reported being unable to work full‐time, 75 percent described pain with intercourse, 70 percent reported sleep disturbance, and 90 percent reported that PBS/IC negatively affected their daily activities.
