Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial Cystitis is an inflammatory disease of the bladder that can cause ulceration and bleeding of the bladder’s lining and can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder. IC has a variable clinical course, meaning that symptoms can appear and disappear over time. The intensity of symptoms varies among individuals and even within the same individual over time.

The cause of IC is unknown, but abnormalities in the leakiness or structure of the lining of the bladder are believed to play a role in its development.

The diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis is based on the symptoms, an abnormal potassium sensitivity test (PST), and elimination of other conditions that may be responsible for the symptoms.

Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis most commonly utilizes heparinoid drugs to help restore integrity of the bladder lining along with other oral medications. Bladder distension and intravesical drug therapy are other treatments that may provide relief.