title: Interstitial cystitis: a guide to recognition, evaluation, and management for nurse practitioners.
abstract: Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic disorder of unknown etiology that affects the lower urinary tract of up to 500,000 women and men in the United States. It is characterized by bladder and pelvic pain that varies from moderate discomfort to severe, debilitating pain and related lower urinary tract symptoms including nocturia, diurnal urinary frequency, and urgency. Because the symptoms of IC superficially resemble a urinary tract infection, it is often misdiagnosed and may remain so for months or even years. This article discusses the clinical manifestations of IC, including its differentiation from acute or recurring bacterial cystitis. Options for managing this significant and often debilitating voiding dysfunction are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, School of Nursing, University of Virginia, PO Box 800422, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. mg5k@virginia.edu
authors.forename: Mikel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Albo
authors.forename: Shelly
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Huffstutler
mesh_terms: D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009722:Nurse Practitioners