INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS (PAINFUL BLADDER SYNDROME)

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic, or long-lasting, condition that causes painful urinary symptoms. Researchers don’t know the exact cause of IC.

People with interstitial cystitis (IC) have discomfort, pressure, tenderness, or pain in the bladder, lower abdomen, and pelvic area. Symptoms vary from person to person, may come and go, and can change in each person as time goes on.

A careful review of symptoms and a physical exam in a doctor’s office are generally the most important parts of diagnosing interstitial cystitis (IC). A health care professional will ask if you have a history of health problems that are related to IC.

You and your doctor may be able to treat your interstitial cystitis (IC) with lifestyle changes, bladder training, physical therapy, medicines, bladder hydrodistention, bladder instillation, surgery, or a combination of these treatments.

No research consistently links certain foods or drinks to interstitial cystitis (IC), although many people find that certain foods and drinks can make their IC symptoms worse, such as alcohol, caffeine, and high-acid foods.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.