Interstitial Cystitis (IC) or Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS) or IC/BPS is an issue of long-term bladder pain. It may feel like a bladder or urinary tract infection, but it's not. It is a feeling of discomfort and pressure in the bladder area that lasts for six weeks or more with no infection or other clear cause.
Also known as interstitial cystitis, bladder pain syndrome can cause mild discomfort or severe pain in the bladder, along with bladder pressure and pelvic pain. Unlike a UTI, which is caused by an acute infection, interstitial cystitis is a chronic, non-infectious, and potentially long-term condition.
The main symptoms of cystitis include: pain, burning or stinging when you pee. needing to pee more often and urgently than normal. urine that's dark, cloudy or strong smelling.
Cystitis and urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be the same thing, but they aren't always. Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder that can be caused by infectious or noninfectious reasons. UTIs are infections of the urinary tract, including everything from the urethra to the bladder to the kidneys.
Interstitial cystitis (in-tur-STISH-ul sis-TIE-tis) is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain. The pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe pain. The condition is a part of a spectrum of diseases known as painful bladder syndrome.
Besides infections, other reasons that area may be irritated or inflamed include: Stones in the urinary tract. Irritation of the urethra from sexual activity. Interstitial cystitis, a condition caused by bladder inflammation.
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic and painful condition of the bladder. People with IC have a bladder wall that is tender and easily irritated, leading to uncomfortable symptoms. Although IC currently has no cure, the symptoms can be managed to help you feel better and live more comfortably.
Another main difference between the two is that cystitis is located in the bladder only. A urinary tract infection presents itself in any part of the urinary system. This is what causes the most significant distinction of not being able to say that these two conditions are the same.
You can buy a home urinary tract infection (UTI) test kit. They are available without a prescription at a drugstore or online. The home test kit contains specially treated test strips. You hold them in your urine stream or dip them in a sample of your urine.
A kidney infection is, in essence, a UTI that has spread into the kidneys. While this type of infection is rare, it's also very dangerous and if you're experiencing any of the following signs of a kidney infection, you should see a doctor immediately: Upper back or side pain. Fever, shaking or chills.
When you're healthy and hydrated on an average day, your wee should be clear or pale yellow in colour. Cystitis can commonly cause cloudy or milky-looking urine. Or if your wee has a foul smell, this can also indicate infection.
Diagnosing Cystitis
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described above, you should visit your GP who will ask for a urine sample to aid diagnosis.
Heat & Cold Therapy
Depending on the type of flare-up, the application of heat and cold therapy can prove helpful in reducing the pain and inflammation linked to Interstitial Cystitis.
What Causes Interstitial Cystitis? The exact cause of interstitial cystitis are unknown, however many women who have interstitial cystitis also suffer from conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and fibromyalgia.
People with interstitial cystitis (IC) have repeat discomfort, pressure, tenderness or pain in the bladder, lower abdomen, and pelvic area. Symptoms vary from person to person, may be mild or severe, and can even change in each person as time goes on.
Bladder or Urethra Inflammation
It's possible to experience burning with urination in the absence of an infection. This is commonly caused by inflammation in the bladder, a condition known as interstitial cystitis. This type of inflammation of the bladder is typically chronic.
Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder and is usually caused by the bacterium E. coli. Treatment includes drinking plenty of water and taking urinary alkalisers and antibiotics. Regular and severe attacks need to be investigated and treated by your GP.
SLE cystitis is characterized by suprapubic pain, urgency, frequency and nocturia, reduction of the urinary bladder volume and hydroureteronephrosis with or without abnormal urine sediment and sterile urine.
Interstitial cystitis (IC) - Autoimmune Association.
Pentosan polysulfate sodium — Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS; Elmiron) is an oral medication that was developed to repair the lining of the bladder in people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) may also cause an abnormal appearance of the urine such as cloudiness, brown or red color, or an unusual smell.