article_snippet: A trainee teacher who suffered agonising cystitis for 17 years has managed to get A trainee teacher who suffered agonising cystitis for 17 years condition under control - by cutting out pizza and alcohol.
article_snippet: Interstitial cystitis is triggered by inflammation of the bladder wall, which can follow childbirth, surgery or repeated bouts of bladder infections, though sometimes there is no known cause.
article_snippet: While most cases of cystitis clear up on their own or with antibiotics, interstitial cystitis does not respond to the drugs and can turn into a painful long-term condition that is hard to treat.
article_snippet: Interstitial cystitis causes recurring flare ups of discomfort in the bladder and pelvic area.
article_snippet: Like regular cystitis, IC sufferers experience an urgency and frequent need to urinate.
article_snippet: Another theory is that one of the protective layers of the bladder wall may 'leak' in people with IC, allowing chemicals in the urine to irritate the bladder.
article_snippet: People with IC often have small areas of scarring, stiffness or bleeding on the wall of People with IC .
article_snippet: the diagnosis causes recurring and intense pain in the pelvic area, as well as an increased need to urinate,' Miss Carr said. '
article_snippet: The Interstitial Cystitis Association advises people with the condition to stop consuming caffeine, chocolate, carbonated beverages, citrus drinks, and foods with high levels of vitamin C. Spicy foods and artificial sweeteners can also aggravate the bladder, although the charity warns that specific combinations of foods and drinks will act as a different trigger for each person.
article_snippet: Other sufferers have had catheters fitted, or even had Other sufferers bladder removed when no other treatment options have been successful.
article_snippet: For more information, visit The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation www.cobfoundation.org or call 0121 702 0820.