Bladder disease: symptoms, causes and treatment

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Definition

What is bladder disease?

Bladder disease is a variety of disorders that attack bladder function. The bladder is a pocket-shaped organ located in the pelvic cavity. Its function is to collect urine (urine) before it is removed from the body.

Urine produced in the kidneys flows to the bladder through the ureter's urethra. The bladder will then collect urine for several hours. The muscle layer that makes up this organ is able to accommodate normal urine up to a capacity of 400-600 mL.

When you want to urinate, the bladder muscles constrict. The two valves located at the end of the bladder then open so that urine flows out of the body. The process of passing urine occurs through a tube called the urethra.

In normal conditions, a person usually urinate 6-8 times in 24 hours. However, bladder function can decline with age, certain health problems, and a number of other factors.

Urinating more or less than this number can indicate muscle problems or bladder disease. Apart from problems urinating, bladder disorders generally cause pain and a number of other symptoms.

These symptoms need to be consulted by a doctor and treated immediately, because bladder pain that is left alone can cause complications. The most common effects are difficulty holding urine or even not being able to urinate at all.

Type

Types of bladder disease

There are various types of diseases that affect the bladder. Diseases can range from decreased muscle function, infection, stone formation, to problems with the nerves that regulate the flow of urine from the bladder.

Here are some of the most common bladder disorders:

1. Bladder infection

Bladder infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and travel to the bladder. Once they reach the bladder, bacteria will stick to its walls and cause inflammation.

This disease is often associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). This is because the urinary system includes the bladder, urethra and ureters, and the kidneys. Infection in one area has the potential to spread to other areas.

2. Bladder stones

Bladder stones are caused by a buildup of minerals contained in urine. Small bladder stones usually go away on their own with the urine stream, but sometimes bladder stones can continue to accumulate and get bigger.

Like kidney stones, the formation of bladder stones can also cause pain when urinating. If left untreated, bladder stones can block urine flow and lead to infection.

3. Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis or cystitis is a collection of chronic (long-term) problems with the bladder. This condition causes pressure on the bladder and pain. Patients usually also want to urinate frequently, but the urine that comes out is only a little.

Untreated bladder infection can lead to cystitis. However, cystitis in itself is not an infection. The exact cause is unknown, but sufferers may have weaker bladder walls that allow toxic substances to get into it.

4. Polyuria

Polyuria (the condition of frequent urination) is a bladder disorder characterized by excess urine production. Adults generally produce three liters of urine per day, but people with polyuria can produce up to 15 liters of urine a day.

There are many conditions associated with polyuria, ranging from diabetes types 1 and 2, kidney disease, to pregnancy. Given that the causes are very diverse, sufferers should consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis.

5. Neurogenic bladder

Neurogenic bladder or neurogenic bladder is a variety of urinary disorders due to problems with the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. Disruption of the system causes loss of control of the bladder muscles.

The nervous system regulates the bladder as it stores and empties the urine in it. Problems with the urinary nerves can result in an overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, or difficulty urinating.

6. Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is the reduced ability of the bladder to hold urine. This condition is often found in the elderly because the function of the bladder muscles decreases with age.

However, urinary incontinence can also be caused by other factors, such as neurological disorders, childbirth, or prostate gland disease. Depending on the cause, this disease can be temporary to chronic.

7. The bladder is overactive

Overactive bladder (OAB) or an overactive bladder is not a disease, but a symptom of other bladder disorders. Patients with OAB feel the urge to urinate very often and can sometimes wet themselves because they are not able to hold it in.

Without proper treatment, OAB can make daily activities more difficult. Sufferers may avoid activities with other people for fear of being away from the bathroom.

8. Dysuria

Dysuria is discomfort, pain, or burning when you urinate. This condition is commonly known as urinary pain or anyang-anyangan. Pain in dysuria is often a symptom of bladder infections, especially cystitis.

Apart from bacterial infections, dysuria can also be caused by the formation of kidney stones, bladder stones, viral attacks, and sexually transmitted infections. This condition can disappear within a few days, but sometimes it needs to be treated with medication if it is classified as severe.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of bladder disease?

The condition of the bladder and the frequency of urination varies from person to person. Even so, there are certain symptoms that may indicate a problem with the bladder. The following is a list of symptoms that often appear when the bladder is problematic:

• Pain or burning sensation either before, during, or after urinating.
• Difficulty or unable to hold back urinating.
• Passing urine when coughing or sneezing.
• Want to urinate more than eight times a day.
• Sudden urge to urinate.
• Frequent urination at night.
• Often want to urinate, but the urine that comes out is only a little.
• When urinating, the urine flow is very weak.
• Feeling incomplete after urinating.
• Urine is cloudy, smelly, or bloody.

When to go to the doctor

Some people may have bacteria in their bladder or urine, but don't have any symptoms. If you have this condition, you may not need to undergo treatment.

However, if you continue to experience symptoms or symptoms get worse, consult a doctor immediately to find out the cause and solution. Always discuss it with your doctor before you take any medication.

Cause

What causes bladder disease?

The causes of bladder disorders can be distinguished by type, namely:

1. Bacterial infection

Infections of the bladder are generally caused by bacteria E. coli which live in the intestines and anus. These bacteria can move to the urethra when you have sex or clean the genitals from back to front.

Infections can also occur if you delay urinating frequently. Bacteria in urine continue to grow so that the number is more than good bacteria. Over time, the bladder becomes infected and inflamed.

2. Accumulation of minerals in urine

If the urine is not completely excreted, the minerals in it can build up and form crystals. Usually, incomplete urination is the result of an enlarged prostate, nerve damage, use of a catheter, and certain infections in the bladder.

3. Loss of control of the bladder muscles

There are a number of conditions that can interfere with the control of the bladder muscles so that you urinate more frequently, including:

• Increasing age
• Bladder infection
• Birth defects
• Disruption of urine flow due to tumors or urinary tract stones
• Chronic cough
• Cystocele or lowering of the bladder
• Prostate disease in men
• Menopause and childbirth in women

4. Certain diseases or health problems

Polyuria and dysuria are generally caused by pre-existing health problems. Polyuria is often experienced by people with diabetes and kidney failure. The patient's kidneys cannot work properly so that more urine is produced.

Meanwhile, dysuria is often associated with infectious diseases such as cystitis, kidney infections, and UTIs. The infection triggers inflammation, pain, and a burning sensation when urinating. These are the symptoms commonly experienced by people with dysuria.

The neurogenic bladder is also associated with health problems. In this case, the cause is nerve damage. When the bladder nerves are damaged, signals from the brain will not get through properly. The bladder ends up unable to hold or pass urine as it should.

5. Others

Certain diseases such as cystitis sometimes have no known cause. Most cases of cystitis originate from a bacterial infection. However, there is also cystitis caused by abnormalities in the bladder wall.

The bladder wall becomes weak, making it easy for bacteria and toxic substances to enter. There are also allegations that bladder disease is related to allergies, autoimmune diseases, and genetics. However, this still needs to be studied further.

Risk Factors

Who is at risk for bladder pain?

Anyone can get bladder disease. However, the risk is higher in people who have the following conditions:

• Constipation. Stool that builds up in the colon can put pressure on the bladder, making it more difficult to hold back urination.
• Obesity. Obese people are more prone to leak urine from the bladder.
• Diabetes. This disease damages the nerves that regulate bladder function.
• Smoke. Bladder disorders are more common in those who smoke.
• Exercise rarely. In fact, exercise helps strengthen bladder muscles and prevents constipation.
• Dietary habit. Spicy and sour foods, caffeine, and soft drinks can make bladder pain worse.
• Drugs. Certain drugs can relax the nerves of the bladder so that urine is passed out accidentally.
• Pelvic injury. Prostate surgery, sexual abuse, and childbirth can cause bladder nerve damage.
• Wear a urine catheter. Using a catheter increases the risk of bacteria entering the bladder.

Medicine and Medicine

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How do you deal with bladder disease?

In general, there are three ways to deal with disorders of the bladder, namely:

1. Take drugs

Medicines are used to treat any bladder disease associated with infection. Treatment may vary from person to person, but the most commonly used drugs are antibiotics.

Symptoms of infection usually lessen after a few days of taking antibiotics. However, you still have to take the antibiotic until it's finished. If not, the infection can come back and be even worse than before.

2. Therapy and use of medical devices

Therapy is useful for reducing the desire to urinate excessively or pass urine without realizing it. This method is used as a treatment for urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, and neurogenic bladder.

Therapy may consist of following a urination schedule, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and urination restraint exercises. If deemed necessary, the doctor can also recommend the use of a catheter or special device in the vagina to reduce urine output.

3. Bladder stone surgery

This method is specifically used to remove stone deposits from the bladder. There are three types of surgery that can be done, namely:

• Transurethral cystolitholapaxy: insert a small tube with a camera into the bladder, then crush the stone with a laser or ultrasound .
• Percutaneous suprapubic cystolitholapaxy: makes a small incision in the bladder, then the stone is removed.
• Cystostomy: open surgery on the bladder to remove large stones.

Prevention

How can you prevent bladder disease?

Bladder health is influenced by many things. You may not be able to avoid all the factors that cause bladder pain, but you can control existing conditions and lead a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk.

In order to maintain the health of your bladder, try to apply the following tips:

• Drink enough water. Water is the best drink for the bladder. Get enough of your water needs by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day.
• Do not smoke. If you smoke, try reducing it from now on.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption. Choose caffeine-free drinks such as water, unsweetened fruit juices, or herbal drinks.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Eat according to the portion needed and check your weight regularly.
• Move more. Do light exercise and especially Kegel exercises to strengthen the bladder muscles.
• Don't delay urination. Try to urinate every 3-4 hours. Do not rush to urinate.
• Clean the vagina from front to back after urinating. Do this so that bacteria from the anus do not enter the vagina.

Bladder disease is a fairly common health problem. If you experience symptoms, consult your doctor to get the right treatment. Also follow the preventive tips for keeping the bladder healthy.