Bladder diseases: causes and treatments

Bladder diseases refer to a group of conditions that affect the bladder, which is a hollow organ in the pelvis that stores and releases urine.

What are the types of bladder disease?

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacterial infections and can lead to bladder inflammation and irritation.

• Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition that causes bladder pain and discomfort and can lead to frequent urination and urinary urgency.

• Overactive bladder (OAB) causes sudden, strong urges to urinate and can lead to urinary incontinence.

• Bladder cancer can cause blood in urine, frequent urination, and pain during urination.

• Bladder stones are hard, mineral deposits that form in the bladder and can cause pain and discomfort during urination.

• Bladder prolapse is a condition where the bladder drops down into the vagina and can cause urinary incontinence and discomfort.

It's important to consult a primary care provider if you suspect you may have a bladder disease, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes.

What are the causes of bladder disease?

The causes of bladder diseases can vary depending on the specific condition. Some common causes include:

• Bacterial infections in the urinary tract can cause bladder inflammation and irritation, leading to conditions like UTIs.

• Chronic conditions like interstitial cystitis, bladder cancer, and bladder prolapse can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, chronic inflammation, and exposure to certain chemicals or irritants.

• As people age, hormonal changes can affect bladder function and increase the risk of bladder diseases.

• Certain lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of bladder diseases.

• Other medical conditions like diabetes and spinal cord injuries can increase the risk of bladder diseases.

• Some medications can cause bladder irritation and inflammation, increasing the risk of bladder diseases.

What are the risk factors of bladder diseases?

There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing bladder disease, including:

• Age: Bladder diseases are more common in older adults.

• Gender: Women are more likely to develop bladder diseases like UTIs and bladder prolapse, while men are more likely to develop bladder cancer.

• Smoking can increase the risk of bladder cancer and other bladder diseases.

• Chronic bladder infections can increase the risk of developing chronic bladder conditions.

• Exposure to certain chemicals like arsenic and aniline dyes can increase the risk of bladder cancer.

• Radiation therapy for other types of cancer can increase the risk of bladder cancer.

• A family history of bladder cancer or other bladder diseases can increase the risk of developing these conditions.

• Other medical conditions like diabetes and spinal cord injuries can increase the risk of bladder disease.

What are common symptoms of bladder disease?

• Pain or discomfort during urination

• Frequent urination

• Urgent need to urinate

• Blood in urine

• Inability to fully empty the bladder

• Weak or interrupted urine flow

• Urinary incontinence

• Pain in the lower abdomen or back

• Fatigue

• Fever

How do you diagnose bladder disease?

• Medical history and physical examination: A primary care provider will review the patient's medical history and perform a physical examination, which may include a pelvic exam or rectal exam.

• Urine tests: A urine sample may be tested for the presence of bacteria, blood, or other abnormalities that could indicate a bladder disease.

• Imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI scans can provide detailed images of the bladder and surrounding tissues, helping to diagnose conditions like bladder cancer, bladder stones, or bladder prolapse.

• Cystoscopy is a procedure that involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera into the urethra and bladder to examine the inside of the bladder. This can help diagnose conditions like interstitial cystitis, bladder cancer, or bladder stones.

• Urodynamic testing measures the bladder's ability to hold and release urine, helping to diagnose conditions like urinary incontinence or bladder obstruction.

The specific diagnostic tests used will depend on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and suspected diagnosis. It's important to talk to a St. Luke’s Health urologist if you have concerns about your bladder health or if you're experiencing symptoms like pain, discomfort, or urinary incontinence.

How to treat bladder diseases

The treatment of bladder disease depends on the specific condition and severity of the symptoms, but some common treatments include:

• Antibiotics are used to treat bladder infections caused by bacteria.

• Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used to manage pain or discomfort associated with bladder conditions.

• Bladder training involves learning techniques to improve bladder control and reduce urinary incontinence.

• Medications like anticholinergics or alpha blockers may be used to treat overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, or other bladder conditions.

• Surgery may be necessary to treat conditions like bladder cancer, bladder prolapse, or bladder stones.

• Lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine intake, quitting smoking, or losing weight may help improve bladder function and reduce symptoms.

How to prevent bladder disease 

There are several steps that can be taken to help prevent bladder disease:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated can help prevent bladder infections and reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.

• Practice good hygiene: Wiping from front to back after using the bathroom can help prevent the spread of bacteria and reduce the risk of bladder infections.

• Urinate regularly: Urinating regularly and completely can help prevent urinary retention and reduce the risk of bladder infections.

• Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of bladder cancer, so quitting smoking can help reduce the risk.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of developing bladder conditions like urinary incontinence or bladder prolapse, so maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk.

• Avoid bladder irritants: Certain foods and drinks like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can irritate the bladder and increase the risk of urinary incontinence or interstitial cystitis.

• Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help improve bladder function and reduce the risk of bladder conditions like urinary incontinence.

It's important to talk to a urologist if you have concerns about your bladder health or if you're experiencing symptoms like pain, discomfort, or urinary incontinence. Regular checkups and screenings can help detect bladder conditions early and improve outcomes.