Glossary: Interstitial cystitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Interstitial Cystitis
- A chronic pelvic pain of bladder origin. Largely under-diagnosed.
- Numerous potential causes, all resulting in inflammation of the bladder wall.
- Some studies suggest as many as 20 percent of women may be affected.
- Presents with urinary frequency, urgency and pelvic pain.
- See also: Interstitial Cystitis Association, Interstitial Cystitis Network.
- Source: Burkman,RT. “Chronic Pelvic Pain of Bladder Origin". Journal of Reproductive Medicine. Vol 49, #3 (suppl). 3/2004.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- A gastrointestinal syndrome characterized by chronic abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.
- Thought to affect as much as 15 percent of the population.
- No structural or metabolic cause found on colonoscopy.
- Pain is commonly relieved with defecation; onset may be associated with a change in stool frequency or a change in stool form (appearance).
- Other associated symptoms:
  - Abnormal stool frequency greater than three bowel movements per day, less than three bowel movements per week.
  - Abnormal stool passage (straining).
  - Abnormal stool form (hard, watery).
  - Passage of mucus.
  - Bloating or feeling of abdominal distension.
- See also: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
- Source: Chun, et al. Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In: UpToDate, Rose,BD(13.2ed), UpToDate, Wellesley, MA, 2005.