Bladder disorders
Anatomy of the Bladder
The bladder is a hollow muscular organ that stores urine from the kidneys before it is excreted from the body. It is located in the lower abdomen and is part of the urinary system, which also includes the kidneys, ureters, and urethra. The bladder is lined with a layer of cells called the urothelium, which is designed to stretch as the bladder fills with urine and contract when it empties.
Bladder Disorders
Bladder disorders refer to any abnormal condition that affects the bladder's ability to function properly. These disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, neurological conditions, and structural abnormalities. They can affect individuals of all ages and genders, although some disorders are more common in certain populations.
Bladder Infections
Bladder infections, also known as urinary tract infections (UTIs), are one of the most common bladder disorders. They occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause inflammation in the bladder. Symptoms of a UTI can include frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic bladder disorder characterized by bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. The pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe. Its cause is unknown, but it's thought to involve an abnormality in the protective lining (epithelium) of the bladder.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a malignant growth within the bladder. It is the fourth most common cancer in men and the tenth most common in women. The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine. Other symptoms may include frequent urination, painful urination, and lower back pain.
Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition where the bladder can't hold urine normally. Symptoms include a sudden urge to urinate, frequent urination, and incontinence. It's more common in older adults and affects both men and women.
Neurogenic Bladder
Neurogenic bladder is a condition where a person lacks bladder control due to a brain, spinal cord, or nerve condition. Symptoms can include overflow incontinence, stress incontinence, and urge incontinence.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of bladder disorders often involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as urine tests, bladder scans, and cystoscopy. Treatment options vary depending on the specific disorder and can include medication, surgery, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Prevention
While not all bladder disorders can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing some disorders. These include drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding irritants such as caffeine and alcohol, and practicing good hygiene.