Effect of Urine Bladder Retention on the Kidneys

Urinary retention is a common disorder of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, sphincter muscles and urethra. Although urinary retention may not seem like a serious medical complication, it can cause significant damage to the bladder and kidneys if left untreated.

Identification

• Urinary retention occurs when the body is unable to completely empty urine from the bladder. The most common symptom of urinary retention is having a frequent urge to urinate, yet having a difficult time actually urinating when you reach a toilet.

Types

• There are two types of urinary retention: acute and chronic. In acute urinary retention, the inability to pass urine occurs quite suddenly. In chronic urinary retention, there is always a small amount of urine left in the bladder; the bladder is never able to empty completely.

Bladder Problems

• The stagnating urine in the bladder typically does not cause any harm. However, if the bladder holds urine for too long or is forced to hold too much urine, the bladder muscle may become permanently damaged.

Kidney Problems

• If urine backs up into the kidneys, it will likely cause permanent kidney damage. This damage often results in reduced kidney function and/or chronic kidney disease. If a kidney is damaged extensively, the patient will likely need permanent dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Treatment

• Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available for urinary retention, including catheterization, treatments for an enlarged prostate and surgeries to correct a fallen bladder. If you are experience urinary retention, it is extremely important to seek medical attention immediately to prevent any kidney damage from occurring.