The bladder is a hollow, balloon-shaped organ in the pelvic region that stores urine until it is excreted from the body, according to the National Institutes of Health information site Medline Plus. People with bladder problems can experience severe abdominal pain, back pain and/or urination problems. Physicians can diagnose bladder problems through urine tests, X-rays and bladder wall examinations. Treatment varies depending on the severity and cause of the bladder problem, but can include medication and/or surgery.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer originates inside of the bladder and occurs when healthy cells mutate and multiply, according to the Mayo Clinic. It typically affects older adults, but can arise in people of all ages. The exact cause is unknown, but smoking, a parasitic infection, radiation and chemical exposure have been linked to its development, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms can include blood in the urine, dark yellow, bright red or dark brown-colored urine, frequent and painful urination, frequent urinary tract infection, severe abdominal pain and/or chronic back pain. Treatment varies depending on the stage and type of bladder cancer, but generally consists of surgery, biological therapy, chemotherapy and/or radiation. Bladder cancer is highly treatable when diagnosed early.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control, is a common complication of the bladder, according to the Mayo Clinic. Urinary incontinence can range from sporadic urine leakage to a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate while coughing, laughing or sneezing. Incontinence is considered a symptom, not a disease, and can be triggered by alcohol consumption, too much fluid intake, dehydration, caffeine, bladder irritation, medication, pregnancy and child birth, constipation, aging and other illnesses and conditions. Treatment for urinary incontinence varies depending on the type, severity and underlying cause, but usually includes bladder training, physical therapy, electrical stimulation, medication, interventional therapies, urethral inserts or medical devices, surgery, absorbent pads and/or catheters.
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones occur when minerals accumulate in the bladder, according to the Mayo Clinic. Stones form minerals in the urine that crystallize. An enlarged prostate, nerve damage or frequent urinary tract infections can trigger bladder stone formation. Stones can be small or large, smooth, jagged or spiked and consist of one or multiple stones. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, penis pain in men, frequent urges to urinate, painful and difficult urination, urine leakage, blood in the urine and/or abnormally dark-colored urine, according to Medline Plus. Treatment generally consists of increasing water intake and surgically breaking and removing stones.
Urinary Tract Infection
The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Urinary infections typically occur when bacteria enter the body through the urinary tract, according to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. Symptoms of a bladder infection can consist of a pain or burning sensation when urinating, fever, fatigue, sudden urges to urinate, pressure in the lower abdomen, foul-smelling urine, reddish or cloudy-looking urine, nausea and/or back pain. Treatment generally consists of antibiotics to clear up the infection.
