The bladder is a small pouch that sits within the center of the lower abdomen and stores a liquid waste product called urine. Bladder damage can occur during pelvic surgery or following a physical altercation or car accident. People who develop any of the signs of bladder damage should seek prompt medical care to prevent potentially long-term or life-threatening medical complications.
Blood in the Urine
One of the most common signs of bladder damage is the presence of blood within the urine, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library reports. Bladder damage injures the muscle and tissues that line this body organ, causing red blood cells to enter urine contained in the bladder. A person with bladder damage can notice that her urine appears unusually dark, orange or red in color. This sign of bladder damage can also be caused by other medical problems, such as a urinary tract or kidney infection, and affected people should seek care from a physician.
Urination Difficulties
An injury to the bladder can affect the way in which urine passes out of the body. People with this condition can have trouble initiating urination, or may experience urinary retention due to an inability to fully empty the bladder, MedlinePlus reports. Urine that remains in the bladder can increase a person's risk of developing a bacterial bladder infection. Bladder infection symptoms include frequent, urgent or painful urination and can be uncomfortable. A person with a bladder injury may only be able to produce a weak or dribbling stream of urine during urination. Urination difficulties can also be related to prostate problems or bladder cancer, making it important for people who exhibit these signs of bladder damage to be evaluated by a medical professional.
Pelvic or Groin Pain
People who sustain bladder damage can experience mild to severe sensations of pelvic or groin pain. A person's lower abdomen can be tender to the touch and may appear distended due to inflammation, Patient UK warns. If the external skin or tissue is also damaged during bladder trauma, people can develop bruising or skin discoloration within the lower pelvic region.
Excessive Bleeding or Shock
Severe trauma to the bladder can lead to excessive bleeding or shock. Affected people can experience a rapid heart rate, sweating or drowsiness and can appear unusually pale. Severe bleeding or shock is more common in people who sustain penetrating bladder injuries, such as those caused by a knife or gunshot wound, PDRhealth reports. These signs of bladder damage can be life threatening and require immediate emergency medical care.
