• Grace Newsome.
• MSN/FNP Program, North Georgia College & State University, Dahlonega, GA, USA. gnewsome@ngcsu.edu
• J Am Acad Nurse Prac. 2003 Feb 1;15(2):64-71.

PurposeTo describe the pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis, and management of interstitial cystitis.Data SourcesSelected professional publications and presentations.ConclusionsInterstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic and disabling condition. Symptoms include urinary frequency and urgency, pain, dyspareunia, and nocturia. It occurs primarily in women. Onset is predominately in adulthood although IC does occur in childhood. Bladder wall defects, auto-immune disorder, viral and/or bacterial infection, toxin exposure, pelvic floor dysfunction and inflammatory response are possible causes. Diagnosis is by history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and cystoscopic examination. The management of interstitial cystitis includes dietary changes, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, oral and intravesicle glucosaminoglycans, hydrodistention, pain management and emotional support.Implications For PracticeNurse practitioners need to be knowledgeable about the occurrence and debilitating effect of IC. Inclusion of IC into the differential diagnoses related to urgency, frequency, and abdominal pain will help assure the timely and effective diagnosis and management of this unusual disease.

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