According to the National Library of Medicine, the bladder is an organ in the lower abdomen of the body that is responsible for the storage of urine. The function of the bladder can be affected by a number of disorders of varying complexity. Bladder diseases can range from minor infections to more serious long-term diseases. Recognition of symptoms and diagnosis by a health provider is important to begin early treatment.
Infection
An infection of the urinary tract is one of the more common diseases of the bladder. According to the National Library of Medicine, some symptoms may include pain or burning while urinating, fever or increased urgency or frequency to use the bathroom. Medications are available to improve a urinary tract infection. TMP Sulfa is a medication used in the treatment of infections and contains two antibiotics in one dose, which can help resolve the infection in a short time period. Trademark names of TMP Sulfa antibiotics are Bactrim or Septra.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence, also referred to as an overactive bladder, is the loss of bladder control. It can be characterized by symptoms, such as mild leaking to increased severity, such as wetting. According to the National Library of Medicine, the treatment varies based upon the nature of the problem and lifestyle. Some options could include Kegel exercises to increase muscle strength in the bladder, medications, devices, such as catheters, drainage bags or absorbent products, surgery; or health behaviors, such as maintaining a healthy weight and eating adequate fiber.
Interstitial Cystitis
According to the National Library of Medicine, interstitial cystitis causes pain or discomfort in the bladder and abdomen. The cause and development of interstitial cystitis is not known. Symptoms include increased frequency or urgency to urinate. It is often referred to as painful bladder syndrome due to the intense pain. Interstitial cystitis cannot be cured, but treatments are available to assist in pain management. Treatment options provided by the National Library of Medicine include, inflating or distending the bladder; bathing the inside of the bladder with a solution of medicine, oral medications or surgery.
Bladder Cancer
According to the National Library of Medicine, bladder cancer, which occurs in the lining of the bladder, is the sixth most common cancer in the United States. Some common symptoms could include the presence of blood in the urine, pain when urinating or lower back pain. Smoking and family history are major risk factors in the development. According to the National Cancer Institute, treatment of bladder cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and biologic therapy. There are also a number of new treatments being tested in clinical trials.
