Bladdersistention.net

Bladder Infection

Bladder infection or inflammation is also known as cystitis. The bladder is the organ that holds urine and is located just behind the pubic bone. When infection is caused by bacteria, the condition is known as urinary tract infection. Infection of the bladder is more common in females than males. The infection is not life threatening but can be painful and extremely annoying. In very rare cases, the infection can spread to the kidneys. The typical signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection include a strong desire to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating and passing small amounts of urine. Other features of a urinary tract infection include foul smelling urine, urine that appears cloudy, low-grade fever, drops of blood in the urine and a feeling of discomfort in the lower abdomen near the pubis. Even though the bladder secretes many protective substances to prevent bacteria from attaching to the wall lining, sometimes bacteria overpower these defense mechanisms.

Urinary tract infections are very common in sexually active females. During sexual intercourse, bacteria are introduced into the bladder during the thrusting motion of the penis. However, even women who are sexually inactive can develop urinary tract infections as some bacteria always reside in the genital area. Sometimes wiping from the rectum to the vagina can introduce fecal bacteria into the genital area. The diagnosis of urinary tract infections is relatively simple and treatment is antibiotics for a few days.

Another problem which is commonly encountered by both males and females is an over active bladder. An overactive bladder usually results in loss of bladder control and can create an embarrassing situation. Data indicate that there are over 30 million people in the country with an overactive bladder. Even though both genders are affected, overactive bladder symptoms generally tend to be more severe in women. Overactive bladder symptoms include frequent urination, urgency to urinate and discomfort while urinating. Often the symptoms can affect the quality of life leading to isolation, social withdrawal and even depression. Even though many medications have been developed to treat this disorder, most have troublesome side effects. In the last few years, oxybutynin gel has been approved for overactive bladder. The drug acts like an anti spasmodic and allows patients better control of the bladder. The drug relaxes the bladder and decreases the urge to urinate frequently.

Bladder cancer often begins in the lining of bladder wall. The cancer tends to affect older adults but can occur at any age. The majority of bladder cancers are diagnosed early and are curable. However, bladder cancers tend to recur and thus all patients need long term follow-up. The classic presentation of a bladder cancer is blood in the urine. The urine may appear dark or tea colored and may be associated with back or lower abdominal pain. The cause of bladder cancer is not known but it has been linked to smoking, exposure to radiation, certain chemicals (arsenic, beta naphthylamine) and infection with a certain parasite.

Useful information: heart disease | Adenomatous Polyps