Causes of Interstitial cystitis

List of causes of Interstitial cystitis

Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Interstitial cystitis) that could possibly cause Interstitial cystitis includes:

• Bladder inflammation from radiation therapy

What causes Interstitial cystitis?

Causes: Interstitial cystitis: Unknown. Some cases possibly autoimmune.
Article excerpts about the causes of Interstitial cystitis:

Interstitial Cystitis: NIDDK (Excerpt)

Some of the symptoms of IC resemble those of bacterial infection, but medical tests reveal no organisms in the urine of patients with IC. Furthermore, patients with IC do not respond to antibiotic therapy. Researchers are working to understand the causes of IC and to find effective treatments.

One theory being studied is that IC is an autoimmune response following a bladder infection. Another theory is that a bacterium may be present in bladder cells but not detectable through routine urine tests. Some scientists have suggested that certain substances in urine may be irritating to people with IC, but no substance unique to people with IC has as yet been isolated. Researchers are beginning to explore the possibility that heredity may play a part in some forms of IC. In a few cases, IC has affected a mother and a daughter or two sisters, but it does not commonly run in families. No gene has yet been implicated as a cause. (Source: excerpt from Interstitial Cystitis: NIDDK)

Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder disorder): NWHIC (Excerpt)

No one knows what causes interstitial cystitis, but doctors studying the disorder believe it is a real, physical problem-not a result, symptom, or sign of an emotional problem. .Some people are diagnosed with IC after taking antibiotics for a presumed urinary tract infection. Therefore, it has been suggested that antibiotics may damage the bladder wall and make it "leaky." This idea has been studied carefully, but antibiotics have never been found to harm the bladder wall. Thus, other ideas are more likely to explain why some IC patients are diagnosed after a urinary tract infection. It is possible that the infection started an autoimmune response against the bladder, the patient's original symptoms were from IC all along, or an infecting organism is in bladder cells but is not detectable through routine tests. (Source: excerpt from Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder disorder): NWHIC)

Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder disorder): NWHIC (Excerpt)

There is no scientific evidence linking diet to IC, but some doctors and patients believe that alcohol, tomatoes, spices, chocolate, caffeinated and citrus beverages, and high-acid foods may contribute to bladder irritation and inflammation. Some patients also notice a worsening of symptoms after eating or drinking products containing artificial sweeteners. Patients may try eliminating such products from their diet and reintroduce them one at a time to determine which, if any, affect symptoms. It is important, however, to maintain a well-balanced and varied diet. Many IC patients feel that regular exercise helps relieve symptoms and, in some cases, hastens remission. (Source: excerpt from Interstitial Cystitis (Bladder disorder): NWHIC)

Related information on causes of Interstitial cystitis:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Interstitial cystitis may be found in:

• Genetics of Interstitial cystitis
• Hidden causes of Interstitial cystitis