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Cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder, commonly caused by a bacterial infection (bacterial cystitis) but sometimes resulting from non-infectious factors, as in interstitial cystitis (IC). Bacterial cystitis typically arises when bacteria, usually Escherichia coli, enter the urinary tract and multiply, causing symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, lower abdominal discomfort, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. It is usually treated effectively with antibiotics, and symptoms resolve quickly with appropriate therapy.
Interstitial cystitis, on the other hand, is a chronic condition characterized by persistent bladder pain, urgency, and frequent urination, often without detectable infection. Its cause remains unclear but may involve immune, vascular, or allergic mechanisms affecting the bladder lining. Treatment focuses on symptom relief using medications, bladder training, and lifestyle adjustments, though no known cure exists. Accurate diagnosis, often involving urine tests and imaging, helps guide therapy for both forms.