Interstitial Cystitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Running head: INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS
Interstitial Cystitis
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INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS
Interstitial cystitis (IC) or painful bladder syndrome is a chronic condition, which
cause immense pain in urinary bladder via increasing the bladder pressure. The level of pain
ranges from mild to severe discomfort and at times chronicity of the pain extends up to the
pelvic. Under normal condition, when the urinary bladder is full, signal is transmitted from
the bladder through the pelvic nerves to the brain, creating an urge to urinate. However,
during IC, there occurs an imbalance in the signal transmission thus creating frequent urge to
urinate even when the urinary bladder is not full. This condition is more common among
women and has a long-lasting impact on quality of life (Hanno et al., 2015).
Laboratory test used for the detection of IC
1. Urine sample test
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a cause of IC and hence any signs of UTI, which is causing
IC, can be detected via urine culture. If the urine culture test detects presence of bacteria then
the test is positive for UTI.
2. Biopsy
Bladder cancer can be a cause of IC. Biopsy of the bladder or urethra helps in the detection of
bladder cancer and thereby assisting to elucidate the reason behind the bladder pain.
Treatment for IC
1. Physical therapy: Mild to moderate physical exercise like stretching and working in order
to relieve pelvic pain
2. Oral medication
 Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
 Tricyclc antdepressants