Final answer:
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder condition, distinct from bacterial infections, with unresolved pathology. Two primary theories suggest a defective bladder lining or an autoimmune response as the cause of chronic inflammation and symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pathology for Interstitial Cystitis (IC) involves understanding the underlying mechanisms or theories that explain its onset and symptoms. Interstitial cystitis, also characterized by symptoms such as dysuria, pyuria, hematuria, and bladder pain, is a chronic condition that primarily affects the bladder's lining. Unlike cystitis caused by bacterial infections of the urinary tract, which often includes infections of the urethra (urethritis), bladder (cystitis), kidneys (pyelonephritis), and can spread to other body systems, the exact cause of IC is not fully understood.
Two prevailing theories explain the pathology of Interstitial Cystitis:
- A defect in the bladder epithelium (inner lining), allowing irritating substances in the urine to penetrate into the bladder wall, leading to a cyclical damage and repair process.
- A potential autoimmune response where the body's immune system targets the bladder mistakenly, causing chronic inflammation and related symptoms.