About Bladder Disease
The bladder is a small organ that resides in the lower central part of the abdomen. It is the job of the bladder to store urine until it can be expelled from the body. Like any organ in the body, the bladder can become diseased. Bladder disease can manifest itself in various ways.-
Infection
-
Infection is one of the most common ways bladder disease can manifest itself. A bladder infection is usually part of a larger infection of the urinary tract. The urinary tract is made up of the bladder, kidneys, urethra and ureters. Infection symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, elevated body temperature, frequent urge to urinate and pressure around the bladder.
Interstitial Cystitis
-
Interstitial cystitis can also accompany bladder disease. Interstitial cystitis is the inflammation of the walls of the bladder causing frequent painful urination. This symptom of bladder disease often affects women more than men, and can become more painful during a woman's period (see reference 3).
Urinary Incontinence
-
Urinary incontinence may also accompany bladder disease. Urinary incontinence is the inability to control the functions of the bladder. This can take two forms through either an overly weak bladder or an overly strong bladder. Weak incontinence in bladder disease is caused by weakened bladder muscles, which can lead to leaking or embarrassing accidents. Over-active bladder incontinence occurs when the nerves sending signals to the muscles on the neck of the bladder cause the bladder to contract too often. This causes the need to urinate, even when the bladder is not full.
Bladder Cancer
-
Bladder disease can also be associated with bladder cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, bladder is the sixth most common cancer in the United States. This type of bladder disease occurs in the lining of the bladder and can often spread through the lymph system to other parts of the body. Bladder cancer symptoms include blood in the urine, frequent need to use the bathroom and pain in the lower back.
Diagnosis
-
Bladder disease can be diagnosed in a variety of ways. Urine tests and x-rays are the least invasive methods. However, to get a more accurate diagnosis, many doctors will recommend a cystoscoping. A cystoscope is a device that allows the doctor to see inside the bladder. The cystoscope is inserted through the urethra until it reaches the bladder. Once inside, the scope uses telescope-like lenses to look for any abnormalities in the bladder.
-