Cystitis attacks

Reaching a definitive diagnosis requires a bladder biopsy and an ultrasound. A cystoscopy, which involves examination of the inside of the bladder, is also used - around 70 per cent of IC patients have abnormalities in their bladder wall.

How is it treated?
There is a wide range of treatments available and patients may have to try several before they find one that brings relief. Anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodics, antihistamines and muscle relaxants are all used, and some people find certain antidepressant drugs, such as amitriptyline, seem to relieve pain. Others have found benefit from a TENS device.

Several treatments work directly on the bladder lining - such as elmiron tablets - or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO ) and cystitat, which are introduced into the bladder by catheter. Early studies of the neurotoxin capsaicin suggest that it may also be helpful in relieving pain when injected into the bladder.

Heal yourself
It is a good idea to keep a food diary so you can see whether symptoms are connected to diet. 'Some people find that acidic foods such as tomatoes or fruit and fruit juices make their symptoms worse,' says Mr Walker. 'Some sufferers can drink alcohol, but others cannot.'

Cranberry juice, often recommended for bacterial cystitis, is likely to make the urine more acidic and cause discomfort in IC sufferers.

Complementary therapies - notably reflexology, acupuncture and aromatherapy - have been found to be helpful. The Interstitial Cystitis Support Group is a mine of information, and can be found at www.interstitialcystitis.co.uk.