We frequently were unable to comprehend the actual distinction between a UTI and interstitial cystitis, and as a result, we frequently confused the two conditions. Although they are separate conditions, urinary tract infections (UTI) and interstitial cystitis cause symptoms that are very similar.
This article aims to shed light on the differences between the two.
Diagnosis of UTI and IC
Urologists have the ability to diagnose UTIs by conducting tests on urine samples in order to rule out the presence of bacteria. Nevertheless, the doctor may also diagnose IC by determining other conditions that are comparable.
Detecting IC and UTI may include:
- A list of symptoms in checkbox format
- Urinalysis
- Performing urine culture
- Medical history
Because of the high degree of similarity between the symptoms of IC and those of a urinary tract infection (UTI), there is currently no official diagnostic test that can differentiate between the two conditions.
Is it UTI or interstitial cystitis?
Around 40% of the women experience UTI once in their lifetime. If you have ever had UTI, you must be aware of how it feels while urinating and the feeling of itching and burning while passing the pee. But in most cases, the symptoms of IC and UTI are almost same such as:
- Burning sensation while urination
- Urge to urinate frequently
- Stinging urine
- Pain in lower abdomen
Nevertheless, IC comes with the symptoms like severe pelvic pain that appears and disappears, alongside with the pain during sexual activities too.
Urinary Tract infection (UTI)
An UTI transpires when microorganisms enter the bladder through the urethra and cause contamination, irritation and discomfort in the organ. The bladder lining becomes swollen and distended as a result. With UTI, and bacteria in urine, you need to get it treated through antibiotics. Such cases require medical attention before the things worsen up.
Symptoms of UTI
- Urge to urinate frequently is referred to as urethral urgency. Even if you only need to pee a few times a day, you may have to go to the restroom quite a bit.
- The lower back and/or abdomen may be affected as a result of this condition. This condition. It is common for people to feel bloated after urination, as well as some discomfort in the lower pelvic area. These symptoms are more common in women than in men.
- Fever and shivers
- Kidney infection
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Interstitial Cystitis
Cystitis refers to a painful bladder syndrome that is having a negative impact on the health of women all over the world. This results in pressure around the pelvic region as well as inflammation in the bladder, both of which are caused by the pressure.
Symptom of IC
- Pain in bladder
- Painful urination without any infection
- Bladder stiffening
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Bladder pressure
- Low grade fever
Women are more likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome (IC) than men are, and their symptoms tend to become more severe as their menstrual period approaches.
What is the difference between UTI and IC?
there are three major differences between the two:
- UTI often leads to bacterial cystitis, whereas IC cannot lead to UTI
- Cystitis is only limited to the damage and inflammation of the bladder, whereas UTI can cause trouble in kidney and ureter let alone bladder
- UTI is caused by Bacterial infection, whereas cystitis is the inflammation of bladder caused by bacterial infection which may also cause by dysfunction of immune system and other reason
Risk features for UTI and IC
The risk factors involved in UTI and IC are more or less the same. But let’s list them down between UTI and IC only.
Risk Factors for UTI
- Stones in bladder
- Inactive sexual life
- Enlarged prostate
Risk factors for IC
- Deformation of bladder
- chronic inflammation
- Dysfunction of immune system
- Food allergies and sensitivities
Preclusion and treatment of UTI and IC
The treatment and the prevention is subjected to the severity of the symptoms of the two.
Treatment for UTI
- A brief course of antibiotics to fight back with the bacterial infection
- In case of severity, IVs may be prescribed
- Use of OTC medicine
- Increasing the water intake
- Avoiding spice
Treatment for IC
- Therapies for strengthening the pelvic floor muscles
- OTC medicines
- Diet alterations
- Infusions of bladder fluid
Bottom line
Even though the signs and symptoms of IC and UTI are comparable to one another, the two conditions are not the same disease. You should seek medical attention as soon as possible if you are experiencing symptoms related to your urinary system. When it comes to treating IC, antibiotics are useless. Patients who are affected by irritable bowel syndrome have access to a wide variety of treatment options as well as support programmes (IC).