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Causes

Despite considerable research into many different aspects of PBS/IC, the cause of the condition is still unknown. Proposed etiologies include the following:³

• Deficiency in the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer on the luminal surface of the bladder, resulting in increased permeability of the underlying submucosal tissues to toxic substances in the urine
• Pathogenic role of mast cells in the detrusor and/or mucosal layers of the bladder
• Infection with an unknown, poorly characterised agent e.g. a slow-growing virus
• Production of a toxic substance in the urine
• Neurogenic hypersensitivity or inflammation mediated locally at the bladder or at spinal cord level
• The symptoms may be a manifestation of pelvic floor dysfunction or dysfunctional voiding
• It is also thought that PBS/IC is potentially an autoimmune disorder