Bladder Discomfort
Causes Of Bladder Discomfort
Looking at a list of possible causes of bladder discomfort may lead to the conclusion that such a disorder is unavoidable. There are infections that can cause bladder discomfort, as well as blockage or pressures on the urinary tract which often do not involve infection. Bladder discomfort can at times be but one symptom of a systemic disease, such as diabetes, in which case there may not be anything wrong with the bladder itself.
Urinary Tract Infections - Bladder discomfort may express itself as pain, though it most often expresses itself through pressure, leading to incontinence or a constant urge to go. We'll take a brief look at various causes of this disorder, but focus at first on the most common cause, a urinary tract infection, or UIT. Urine is generally considered to have antiseptic properties, and not generally a carrier of bacteria. It can happen though that bacteria, most often the Escherichia coli, or E. coli bacteria, may be present in one's urine, and may in some cases multiply, leading to a urinary tract infection. If the bladder itself is infected, the medical term used is cystitis, if it is the kidney that is infected the term is pyelonephritis, a potentially more serious condition.
A UIT is not a contagious disease and is generally easily treatable. Prompt treatment is important, particularly if the kidneys are involved to prevent damage being done to the kidneys, possibly resulting in far more serious complications. UIT symptoms can consist of pain while urinating, a need to urinate frequently, or an overwhelming need to urinate, even if little urine is present in the bladder. One should be particularly concerned if there is blood mixed in with the urine, or pain is being experienced in the area of the kidneys.
Incontinence - Regardless of the nature of the disorder, or the cause, the two more frequent symptoms a feeling a strong need to urinate and pain. Feeling a need to urinate, or actually having to, in other words incontinence, can be caused by a number of things, not all of which are directly associated with the bladder. One of the milder causes of bladder discomfort and incontinence is jet lag, obviously not experienced by everyone, but nevertheless experienced by some. Bladder control problems often arise in women during menopause. Women may also experience bladder incontinence around the time of childbirth. Prostrate conditions, whether an enlarged prostrate or prostrate cancer, can cause incontinence. Disorders affecting the spinal cord or spinal column can sometimes give rise to problems with incontinence. Incontinence is one of the more pronounced symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Causes Of Pain - When it comes to bladder discomfort bordering on pain, we've already noted UTI, the major cause of discomfort and pain. Pain is sometimes experienced by those having diabetes, and not unsurprisingly by those suffering from bladder cancer, cervical cancer, or prostrate cancer. Kidney stones can of course cause great discomfort or pain as can genital herpes, from which sores often are present in the urinary tract. A deficiency in vitamin A can open the door to infections in the body's internal organs including the urinary tract and the bladder, resulting in discomfort and pain. In addition there are a number of less commonly known diseases and disorders which affect the function of the bladder in one way or another, and cause bladder discomfort, pain, or incontinence.
Many of these disorders can be treated with medications, though in certain instances surgery or some other form of therapy may be required. Drinking plenty of water is often advised during recovery as this usually helps to eventually clean out the bladder and urinary tract. While at times a symptom of something serious, bladder discomfort is more often than not an inconvenience, albeit at times a significant inconvenience.