Definition
Interstitial Cystitis, also known as Bladder Pain Syndrome, or Painful Bladder Syndrome, is a non-microbial chronic inflammatory disease of the bladder characterized by pain in the bladder and pelvic area, constant urgency, and frequent urination. 90% of the patients are female, the age of onset of symptoms is often between the ages of 30-50.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms are bladder pain, frequent urination and a constant urge to urinate. The sensation of pain usually becomes more intensified as the bladder fills and decreases when urinating. The exacerbation and well-being seen in the complaints are typical for this disease. Sexual intercourse is often painful for both men and women. Fibromyalgia, musculoskeletal pain, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, autoimmune diseases, depression, allergy and migraine are more common among these patients.
Reasons
Although it has been investigated seriously in many aspects, it is not known exactly why this disease occurs. However, the generally accepted view is that this disease does not have a single cause, on the contrary, it is a syndrome in which many immunological, allergic, neurovascular, infectious, even environmental and genetic factors play a role.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of the disease is made by eliminating other diseases with similar symptoms. The following tests and steps are used to do this.
- Detailed Story
- Physical examination
- Urine Analysis and Culture
- Inquiry Forms and Chart for Urination Frequency
- Potassium Sensitivity (Parsons) Test
- Urodynamics
- Cystoscopy
