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Bladder

The bladder is a hollow, muscular organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine from the kidneys until it’s ready to be expelled.

Understanding The Bladder

Bladder health is essential for the proper functioning of the urinary system, but various conditions can affect the bladder, impacting urinary control, comfort, and quality of life.

Overview

  • Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder, usually caused by a bacterial infection. It is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that affects the bladder, leading to discomfort and urinary issues.

 

Causes

  • Bacterial Infection: Often due to Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria from the bowel entering the urinary tract.
  • Irritation or Trauma: Non-infectious cystitis can occur due to certain medications, radiation therapy, or prolonged catheter use.

 

Symptoms

  • Frequent and urgent need to urinate
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Lower abdominal pain or pressure
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
  • Blood in urine (in some cases)

 

Risk Factors

  • Female Gender: Women are at higher risk due to a shorter urethra.
  • Sexual Activity: Frequent or recent sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the bladder.
  • Menopause: Changes in oestrogen levels can alter vaginal flora, increasing UTI risk.
  • Catheter Use: Prolonged catheterisation increases infection risk.

 

Treatment Options

  • Antibiotics: For bacterial infections, antibiotics are typically effective.
  • Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relief can help manage discomfort.
  • Preventive Measures: Drinking plenty of fluids, urinating after intercourse, and avoiding irritants like caffeine may help reduce recurrence.

Overview

  • Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition characterised by sudden, intense urges to urinate, often leading to incontinence. OAB can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.

 

Causes

  • Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke can disrupt nerve signals to the bladder.
  • Ageing: Bladder muscles may weaken over time, contributing to OAB symptoms.
  • Hormonal Changes: Menopause and other hormonal shifts can affect bladder function.

 

Symptoms

  • Frequent urination (usually more than 8 times per day)
  • Sudden, uncontrollable urges to urinate
  • Urge incontinence (leaking urine before reaching the toilet)
  • Night-time urination (nocturia)

 

Risk Factors

  • Age: OAB is more common in older adults.
  • Obesity: Excess weight can increase pressure on the bladder.
  • Diabetes: Can affect bladder function and increase urgency.
  • Gender: Women, particularly post-menopausal, are at a higher risk.

 

Treatment Options

  • Lifestyle Changes: Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight can alleviate symptoms.
  • Bladder Training: Timed voiding and pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises) can improve control.
  • Medications: Anticholinergic medications help relax bladder muscles, while beta-3 agonists reduce urgency.
  • Botox Injections: Injected into bladder muscles, Botox can reduce symptoms for several months.

Overview

  • Bladder stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the bladder when urine becomes concentrated and crystallises. Stones vary in size and may cause discomfort, particularly if they block the urinary tract.

 

Causes

  • Inability to Empty the Bladder: Urine retention, often due to conditions like BPH or neurogenic bladder, can lead to stone formation.
  • Infections: Chronic urinary infections can alter urine composition, leading to stone development.
  • Foreign Objects: Catheters or other devices left in the bladder can lead to stone formation.

 

Symptoms

  • Pain during urination
  • Frequent urination or difficulty urinating
  • Blood in the urine
  • Lower abdominal pain

 

Risk Factors

  • Male Gender: Men, especially those over 50, are more prone to bladder stones.
  • Bladder Outlet Obstruction: Conditions that obstruct urine flow, like BPH, increase risk.
  • Dehydration: Concentrated urine is more likely to form stones.

 

Treatment Options

  • Hydration: Drinking plenty of water may help flush out small stones.
  • Cystolitholapaxy: A procedure to break up or remove stones using a cystoscope.
  • Surgery: In cases where stones are too large to pass or be broken up, surgery may be required.

Overview

  • Also known as painful bladder syndrome, interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and pelvic pain. Unlike typical cystitis, it is not caused by an infection.

 

Causes
The exact cause of IC is unclear, but it may involve:

  • Autoimmune or inflammatory response
  • Defects in the bladder lining, making it more susceptible to irritation
  • Neurological factors affecting bladder signals

 

Symptoms

  • Chronic pelvic pain, particularly when the bladder fills
  • Frequent urination, often in small amounts
  • Pain relief after urinating
  • Pain during intercourse

 

Risk Factors

  • Gender: IC is more common in women.
  • Age: Most individuals with IC are diagnosed in their 30s or 40s.
  • Other Chronic Conditions: Having conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or fibromyalgia can increase the risk.

 

Treatment Options

  • Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
  • Bladder Training: Gradually increasing the time between urination can help relieve urgency.
  • Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, and antidepressants may relieve pain and urgency.
  • Bladder Instillations: Medications placed directly into the bladder can reduce pain.

Overview

  • Bladder cancer occurs when cells in the bladder grow uncontrollably, often forming a tumour. It is more common in older adults and can be aggressive if not treated early. The most common type of bladder cancer is urothelial carcinoma.

 

Causes

  • While the exact cause is unknown, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of bladder cancer, such as exposure to chemicals and smoking.

 

Symptoms

  • Blood in the urine (haematuria), often without pain
  • Frequent urination or feeling the urge without being able to urinate
  • Pain or burning sensation during urination
  • Pelvic pain or back pain in advanced stages

 

Risk Factors

  • Smoking: Smokers are at a significantly higher risk of bladder cancer.
  • Exposure to Chemicals: Prolonged exposure to industrial chemicals used in manufacturing can increase risk.
  • Age and Gender: Men, especially over the age of 60, are at higher risk.
  • Family History: A family history of bladder cancer can increase susceptibility.

 

Treatment Options

  • Surgery: Removing the tumour or, in advanced cases, the entire bladder (cystectomy).
  • Intravesical Therapy: Medications delivered directly into the bladder to target cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy and Radiation: Used to target cancer cells, often in more advanced cases.
  • Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer cells and prevent recurrence.

Bladder Health and Prevention

Maintaining bladder health involves drinking plenty of water, practising good hygiene, and avoiding smoking and known bladder irritants.

Regular check-ups, especially for those at higher risk, can help detect issues early and improve treatment outcomes.

If any unusual symptoms, pain, or swelling occur, consult a healthcare provider promptly for assessment.

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