Which term means an inflammation of the walls of the bladder? cystitis or interstitial cystitis
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct term for inflammation of the walls of the bladder is cystitis.
Explanation:
Cystitis refers to the inflammation of the bladder, typically caused by an infection, though it can also result from other factors such as injury, irritation, or certain medications. In most cases, cystitis is due to a bacterial infection, commonly referred to as a urinary tract infection (UTI), which causes the bladder lining to become inflamed. The inflammation can lead to symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, pain or burning during urination, and lower abdominal discomfort.
Cystitis is generally classified into two main types:
- Acute cystitis: This is a short-term infection often caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), that enters the urinary tract and spreads to the bladder. Acute cystitis can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics.
- Chronic cystitis: This refers to long-term inflammation of the bladder, which may result from recurrent infections or other underlying conditions. Chronic cystitis can lead to persistent symptoms and may require more intensive treatment.
On the other hand, interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as bladder pain syndrome, is a more specific and chronic form of cystitis. It is a condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the bladder without a bacterial infection. People with IC experience similar symptoms to cystitis, such as bladder pain, frequent urination, and urgency, but these symptoms persist for a long time and are often not related to an infection. The exact cause of interstitial cystitis is unclear, but it may involve a defect in the bladder lining or autoimmune factors. Unlike typical cystitis, interstitial cystitis is more difficult to treat and may require a combination of therapies, including medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Thus, while both cystitis and interstitial cystitis involve bladder inflammation, cystitis is the more general term that refers to bladder inflammation, often due to infection, while interstitial cystitis is a specific, chronic form of bladder inflammation without infection.