Interstitial Cystitis Vs. Chronic Cystitis

The difference between interstitial cystitis and cystitis is significant because one is usually easy to treat while the other is not. Even though some people are prone to recurrent cystitis, it is treatable with medication and rarely becomes chronic. However, interstitial cystitis is typically chronic and is resistant to treatment.

Cystitis Definition

• Cystitis is an infection of the urinary bladder. It is caused by bacteria; one of the most common is the Escherichia coli that normally live in the intestine without causing illness. It is more common in women because they have a shorter urethra than men, making it easier for the bacteria to enter the urinary system. Pregnancy and menopause also make them more susceptible. It is less common in men, but when it occurs, it is usually caused by a bacterial infection in the prostate. Cystitis can also be caused by the introduction of a catheter or if the flow of urine becomes obstructed due to a stone in the bladder or enlarged prostate. Urine flushes out the system, carrying away potentially harmful bacteria, so if the flow is disrupted, bacteria have a better chance of invading the bladder.

Cystitis Symptoms and Treatment

• The most common symptoms of cystitis are a frequent and urgent need to urinate and burning or pain during urination. Sometimes, pain is present just above the pubic bone or in the lower back. The symptoms may disappear without treatment, but it's always best to check with your physician because the bacteria can travel to the kidneys and result in a serious infection. Diagnosis is made by testing the urine and treatment consists of antibiotics to get rid of the infection and medications to relieve symptoms such as the need to urinate.

Interstitial Definition

• Interstitial cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder without an infection. It can occur in men and children, but it primarily affects women. This condition is also called painful bladder syndrome, which is an accurate description. Interstitial cystitis is truly a chronic condition that is difficult to diagnose and treat. Doctors don't know what causes interstitial cystitis but suspect that heredity, allergy, defects in the bladder, vascular disease or an autoimmune reaction may play a role.

Interstitial Symptoms and Treatment

• The symptoms are chronic pain in the pelvic area and an urgent need to frequently urinate (sometimes up to 60 times a day). The urine may contain blood, but there will be no evidence of bacteria or other infectious agents. The severity of symptoms may fluctuate and some people may go into periods of remission, but there aren't any treatments that eliminate this condition. Medications can relieve the pain and two medications, Pentosan and Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), sometimes provide temporary improvement. Interstitial cystitis can become so severe, with such intolerable symptoms that do not respond to treatment, that the bladder is surgically removed.

Lifestyle and Support

• The ongoing, chronic pain and frequent urination caused by interstitial cystitis impacts quality of life, including socializing and relationships. It also often interferes with sleep. All of these combined deal a damaging blow to emotional health, often leading to depression and anxiety. Self-care strategies and support groups can help. Wearing loose-fitting clothing and limiting soda, caffeine and citrus are the basics of self care. A list of support groups is available on the Interstitial Cystitis Association website.