BLADDER INFLAMMATION

Also referred to as cystitis. Cystitis most commonly occurs because of bacterial infection. Another form of bladder inflammation, interstitial cystitis (IC) involves inflammation or irritation of the bladder wall. This can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder, and even ulcerations and bleeding. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, findings on cystoscopy and biopsy, and eliminating other treatable causes such as infection. Because doctors do not know what causes IC, treatments are aimed at relieving symptoms. Most people are helped for variable periods of time by one or a combination of treatments.