Bladder dysfunction covers a range of conditions that affect bladder function, including disease and blockages. While most causes are not life-threatening, they can cause discomfort and embarrassment. Treatments and causes vary, but many conditions are treatable with medication, exercises, or surgery. Symptoms range from fever and pain to sudden urges to urinate and incontinence. More serious conditions such as bladder cancer require surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
“Bladder dysfunction” is a term used to describe a wide range of conditions that adversely affect bladder function. This can include bladder disease, blockages leading to or from the bladder, and other conditions that can cause problems within the urinary tract. The treatments and causes are as varied as the conditions themselves.
Most causes of bladder dysfunction are not life-threatening and are caused by relatively benign conditions. However, they can cause severe discomfort and embarrassment to the patient, as is the case with overactive bladder. Many times bladder dysfunction is completely treatable and often curable with proper medical care. Two of the most common types of bladder problems are urinary tract infection and overactive bladder. Both are treatable with medications. Overactive bladder can also be fixed by using Kegels and other exercises aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
Some causes of bladder dysfunction are more serious in nature and can be potentially life-threatening. These can include bladder cancer, urinary tract obstructions, and lesions on the bladder or spinal cord due to an underlying disease, such as multiple sclerosis. Life-threatening bladder disorders are much less common than benign conditions like overactive bladder, but they should be taken seriously.
Common symptoms associated with bladder dysfunction and related conditions are varied. Infections that develop within the urinary tract can lead to fever, pain when urinating, burning, and the urge to urinate even when nothing comes out. Antibiotics are the most commonly used treatment for urinary tract infections.
Overactive bladder and urinary incontinence are often caused by a bladder becoming spastic. This means that the normal bladder contractions that usually signal someone to urinate become constant and uncontrollable. Patients with this condition often experience a sudden and powerful urge to urinate, and urine leakage or accidents can sometimes occur. Medications and strength training are both helpful for many patients.
More serious conditions such as bladder cancer or a blockage can cause severe pain, bleeding when urinating, and an inability to urinate. Sometimes there are no symptoms. Treatments may include surgery and chemotherapy if you have bladder cancer. Radiation is also needed in some cancer cases, although the exact types of treatment will depend on how aggressive the cancer is.
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