subject: Causes of interstitial cystitis [print this page] Causes of interstitial cystitis Causes of interstitial cystitis
Interstitial Cystitis Natural Remedies - Interstitial Cystitis (IC) may result from infections in other parts adjacent to the bladder such as the kidneys, the urethra, and the vagina. Local irritation and inflammation of the bladder may be caused if urine is retained there for an unduly long time. It may also result from severe constipation.
Continual draining of pus and germs from an infected kidney may injure the epithelial lining of the bladder. Trouble may also arise from the presence of a stone in either bladder or kidney. Childbirth injuries and major surgical procedures within the pelvis may also lower the resistance of the bladder-wall and predispose to the development of the cystitis. There is also the problem of new brides who sometimes suffer from so-called honeymoon cystitis. The bladder wall may become swollen and ulcerated so that the bladder cannot hold the normal amount of urine. Germs may then find their way into the bladder and bring about chemical changes in the urine. Calcium or lime may thus be deposited in the walls of the bladder, increasing the patient's discomfort.
But the cause has not been definitively agreed with the entire scientist, but some ideas are:
Nutritionally poor diet / unwholesome lifestyle leads to (1) overly-acidic urine/harmful substances in urine, caustic to the bladder lining, and (2) a compromised immune system that is unable to protect the lining or repair any damage; Typically, you eat too many acid-forming foods, which compromises your immune system. IC often occurs in tandem with other immune system breakdown disorders, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). E.g. IC patients are 100 times more likely to have IBS. Lifestyle factors, such as lack of sunshine and too much stress can also compromise the immune system.
Defects in the protective mucous layer that lines the bladder - causes so-called leaky bladder syndrome allowing harmful substances in the urine to leak through the mucous layer and inflame or ulcerate tissue below. There is some evidence that in IC the surface layer of the bladder is deficient in protective natural substances called GAGs (glycosaminoglycans).Use of supplemental GAGs (mesoglycan or chondroitin sulfate) for IC has been suggested, but as yet there is little reliable evidence that they work.
Sensory nerves within the bladder "turn on" and spur the release of inflammatory substances.
Hormone Connection - since IC is mainly a woman's disease, there is a possible hormone contribution.
No matter what the mechanism for disruption of the bladder lining, potassium is one substance that may be involved in damage to the bladder wall. Potassium is present in high concentrations in urine and is normally not toxic to the bladder lining. However, if the tissues lining the inside of the bladder (urothelium) are disrupted or are abnormally leaky, potassium could then penetrate the lining tissues and enter the muscle layers of the bladder where it can cause damage and promote inflammation.
Other theories about the cause of IC are that it is a form of autoimmune disorder or that infection with an unidentified organism may be producing the damage to the bladder and the accompanying symptoms.
