National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Eosinophilic cystitis


Eosinophilic cystitis (EC) is a rare inflammatory bladder condition caused by the build up of eosinophils in the bladder. The exact cause of this condition is not known. However, EC has been found in those with allergies and asthma, and in those with a history of bladder trauma or infection, open bladder surgery, or surgery for a bladder tumor. EC has also been found in those who take certain medications.[1][2]
Last updated: 8/20/2014
Common symptoms include urinary frequency, painful urination, blood in the urine, and abdominal/pelvic pain. Other less common symptoms include excessive urination during the night and urinary retention. Many of the symptoms commonly seen in EC mimic symptoms seen in other conditions. Rare features include gastrointestinal symptoms because of eosinophilic gastroenteritis, skin rash, and the passage of air in the urine (pneumaturia). EC has been observed in 2% of patients with superficial transitional cell carcinoma (bladder cancer).[1]
Last updated: 6/2/2011
The cause of eosinophilic cystitis remains unclear, although it has been associated with allergies, reactions to certain medications (antibiotics, chemotherapy), bladder trauma, bladder tumors, and parasitic infections.[1][2]
Last updated: 8/20/2014
Any possible causative factors, should be avoided or discontinued, such as certain medications (tranilast, mitomycin C). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, and antihistamines have been used as the primary management of choice with good results. Antibiotics are helpful, especially in those individuals with EC associated with urinary tract infections. Those who do not respond to NSAIDs and antihistamines have been treated with corticosteroids. Corticosteroids and antihistamines are used because they suppress the inflammatory reaction in the bladder.[3] However, symptoms of EC may persist, despite steroid therapy. If symptoms persist after steroid therapy, azathioprine or cyclosporine can be tried.[3] Other treatments include intravesical dimethylsulfoxide, cyclosporin-A (immunosuppressant drug), and silver nitrate.[1]

In those with bladder lesions, surgery has been successful. Few patients with progressive EC not responding to medical therapy or surgery may be considered for more radical procedures, such as partial/total cystectomy (surgical removal of all or part of the bladder).[1]
Last updated: 10/31/2014
Most patients can be cured, but recurrence is a frequent finding. One study examined 118 patients who were treated for eosinophilic cystitis. Of these, 91 patients (77%) were cured, which was defined as the complete absence of symptoms in the short-term and long-term. However, the recurrence of symptoms has been noted in some affected individuals.[3] Thus, those with EC require long-term follow-up with relevant blood tests, urine examination, appropriate imaging, and cystoscopy.[1]
Last updated: 6/2/2011

If you need medical advice, you can look for doctors or other healthcare professionals who have experience with this disease. You may find these specialists through advocacy organizations, clinical trials, or articles published in medical journals. You may also want to contact a university or tertiary medical center in your area, because these centers tend to see more complex cases and have the latest technology and treatments.

If you can’t find a specialist in your local area, try contacting national or international specialists. They may be able to refer you to someone they know through conferences or research efforts. Some specialists may be willing to consult with you or your local doctors over the phone or by email if you can't travel to them for care.

You can find more tips in our guide, How to Find a Disease Specialist. We also encourage you to explore the rest of this page to find resources that can help you find specialists.

Healthcare Resources

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Organizations Providing General Support

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Eosinophilic cystitis. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

  • I was diagnosed with eosinophilic cystitis. My doctor put me on steroids along with Allegra. I have been using these medications for five weeks now, and I see no signs of improvement. However, the side effects of the steroids are becoming too much for me. Is it likely that I can be cured of this disease? See answer


  1. Teegavarapu PS, Sahai A, Chandra A, Dasgupta P, Khan MS. Eosinophilic cystitis and its management. Int J Clin Pract. 2005; 59(3):356-60. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15857336. Accessed 10/31/2014.
  2. Eosinophilic Cystitis. American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders. September 8, 2011; http://apfed.org/drupal/drupal/eosinophilic_cystitis. Accessed 8/20/2014.
  3. van den Ouden D. Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic cystitis: a pooled analysis of 135 cases. Eur Urol. 2000; 37(4):386-94. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10765067. Accessed 10/31/2014.