Apr 23 2008
What Is IC Disease?
IC Disease, or Interstitial Cystitis, is a disease where there is severe inflammation to the bladder wall. Interstitial Cystitis is chronic and there is currently no cure and the cause is unknown.
Symptoms include:
- Need to urinate frequently - more than 8 times per day. Some people with IC may urinate up to 60 times a day (every 10 - 15 minutes).
- Pain and pressure in the lower abdomen
- Pain and burning with urinating
- Pain and pressure in the vaginal area
A diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis is made after all other illnesses dealing with the bladder have been eliminated, specifically infections and cancer. A cystoscopic examination of the bladder under anesthesia is usually performed in order to see if one of the hallmark features of IC is present - pinpoint hemorrhages (glomerulations) on the bladder wall and/or Hunner’s Ulcers.
IC patients are typically placed into one of two categories. The great majority of patients are diagnosed with “early non-ulcerative” IC, as identified by the presence of glomerulations during cystoscopy. An estimated 5% to 10% of IC patients are believed to have the second, more severe, “classic ulcerative” IC, as demonstrated by the presence of Hunner’s Ulcers and glomerulations during cystoscopy. These patients may also have reduced bladder capacities and stiffened bladder walls.
