The bladder is a muscular organ that's responsible for receiving and excreting urine. Sometimes an infection can infiltrate the bladder and wreak havoc on the body. In some cases, the pelvic muscles may become weakened or bladder cells can grow at a fast pace. A few bladder diseases have specific treatment options.
Cystitis
The Mayo Clinic says cystitis refers to an inflammation of the bladder. Specific symptoms of cystitis include bloody urine (hematuria), a burning pain upon urination, pelvic discomfort, a low fever, strong-smelling urine and pressure in the lower part of the stomach.
Community-acquired or hospital-acquired infections can lead to cystitis. Other causes of cystitis include radiation treatment, certain drugs such as cyclophosphamide and certain chemical-containing products such as bubble baths. Sometimes, cystitis may be associated with such disorders as pelvic inflammatory disorders and endometriosis.
Treatment for cystitis involves taking antibiotic medications to eliminate bacteria. Also, discontinuing such products as bubble baths can decrease cystitis symptoms. Sometimes surgery can be used to manage cystitis.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence refers to a condition in which people are unable to control their urine. MedlinePlus says urinary incontinence is most common in elderly people.
Specific symptoms of urinary incontinence include urinating when laughing, sneezing or coughing (stress incontinence) or having the sudden urge to urinate (urge incontinence). Sometimes the bladder is unable to empty completely, leading to dribbling of urine (overflow incontinence).
Urinary incontinence may be due to anatomical structural problems with the bladder, blockage, neuromuscular disorders, brain or nerve problems and dementia, says MedlinePlus. Pregnancy, medications such as diuretics and weight gain can also lead to urinary incontinence. A large prostate, bladder spasms and a stroke are some other causes of urinary incontinence.
Treatment for urinary incontinence involves training the bladder through scheduled bathroom trips and pelvic exercises (kegel exercises). Simply avoiding caffeine, losing weight and avoiding alcohol are some ways to decrease urinary incontinence symptoms.
Bladder Cancer
MedlinePlus says bladder cancer refers to a cancerous tumor that begins in the bladder. Bladder cancer symptoms include frequent urination, urinary urgency, blood in the urine, painful urination, stomach pain and weight loss. Bladder cancer can also lead to fatigue, stomach pain, anemia and bone pain.
The cause for bladder cancer is uncertain, but risk factors include smoking cigarettes, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, bladder infections, chemical infections and parasitic infections.
Treatment for bladder cancer involves surgery to remove the bladder tumor, create a urine reservoir or to remove the bladder. Chemotherapy treatments with such medications as cisplatin, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin can be used to destroy the cancerous bladder cells.
