This is a vital organ in the human body for the urinary system. It plays an important role in storing and expelling urine from the body. A common related issue that can impact most individuals is urinary incontinence. The bladder is a hollow, balloon-like organ that collects and releases urine from the body.  It is located in the lower part of the abdomen. It controls our body’s urinary system, which plays a crucial role in a healthy body.

People rarely talk about the bladder, but many are affected by bladder-related diseases, such as bladder cancer. With age, its conditions change. The wall and its function may weaken, and it’s getting harder to empty the bladder fully.

In this blog, we will discuss bladder-related issues we face in our lives and how to keep our bladders healthy.

What are the bladder functions?

Its primary function is to store urine, which is created by the kidneys, until it is convenient and appropriate to eliminate it from the body. When it fills with 300 to 350 ml of urine, the nerves send a response to the brain that we need to go to the toilet. On average, a human bladder can hold 400 to 600 ml of urine, though some individuals may have a small or large bladder. We need to empty it every three hours. Though a healthy bladder can hold at a stretch, it is very important to urinate at regular intervals.

Affective Ratio of the urinary bladder:  

It is estimated that in 2008, over 45% of the world population aged below or above the average 20 years were affected by LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms).

Urinary bladder Cancer ranks Ninth in worldwide cancer incidence. In 2023, an estimated 82290 adults (62420 men, 19870 women) in the United States will be diagnosed with bladder Cancer. GLOBOCAN data from 2020 revealed an incidence of 573,000 new Bladder Cancer cases and 213,000 deaths worldwide in 2020.

In 2018, bladder cancer was the tenth most common cancer worldwide in men.

According to GLOBOCAN, there were 573,000 new Bladder Cancer cases and 213,000 deaths worldwide in 2020.

Some of the common conditions that affect the bladder:

What is bladder cancer?

It is one of the most common diseases found in our society. Approximately 356000 new bladder cancers were found in 2002 worldwide. This cancer causes cells in our bladder to grow uncontrollably. It starts typically in the cells of our Urothelium.

Symptoms of bladder cancer:

Patients may have some symptoms, such as:

• Blood in the urine.
• Back pain.
• Frequent urination in a day.
• Feeling pain while urinating.

Risk Factors of Bladder Cancer:

• Drinking water contains high levels of arsenic.
• Having infections in the bladder can increase the risk of bladder cancer.
• Having some family history related to bladder cancer or bladder infections.
• Having some genetic disorders related to bladder cancer.

Diagnosis:

Most of the bladder cancer is treated at an early stage. People who are affected by bladder cancer can recover with successful treatment.

What is urinary incontinence?

When an individual cannot control urine or faces a problem of leaking urine, this is called urinary incontinence. This is not only a medical problem, but it also affects social life, and it can also hamper our emotions and psychology. Many people think that urinary incontinence is not a disease; it is just an ageing problem. But it is not. It can be cured by proper treatment. Men who have prostate problems are at a high risk of this disease.  Urinary Incontinence is mostly found among women.

There are some types of incontinence: stress urinary incontinence, mixed incontinence, overflow incontinence and urge urinary incontinence.

Treatment depends upon the age and type of incontinence. Surgery is an option if other therapies do not work.

Overactive Bladder?

This is also a urinary symptom. A frequent and sudden urge to urinate, which is very difficult to control, is the main symptom of this condition. Sometimes we get very embarrassed or puzzled by the situation that is facing this issue. Sometimes, having so many urges to urinate is another symptom of this condition.

This condition can hamper our daily life as well as our social life. It can disrupt our sleep.

Risk factors for overactive bladder?

• Hormonal changes
• A urinary tract infection
• Side effects from medication.
• A disease that affects our brain, nerves, and many other body parts.

Treatment:

• Education and behaviour therapies are first recommended, as per the condition of the patient, to reduce the symptoms of an overactive bladder.
• Suggest weight loss for the overweight person.
• Stopping smoking can be effective for the treatment.
• Proper medication that can relax the bladder helps to recover from this condition.
• Try to set a proper schedule and maintain it to avoid frequent bathroom visits.

Urinary Tract Infections:

This infection occurs when microbes are found in the urinary system of the body. People of any age can get infected with this infection. Also, a kidney infection is another type of UTI. This infection is more common in females than in males. Our urinary system consists of the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and ureters, which are busy removing waste products from our body through urine. Any part of our urinary tract can become infected with this infection. Most UTIs are only related to the urethra and bladder.

Symptoms of UTIs:

There are so many symptoms that can be found in infected people, mostly in women.

• Bloody urine.
• Dysuria or burning sensation during urination.
• Frequent urination.
• Unexplained fatigue.
• Fever and chills.
• Sudden urge to urinate.
•  Feeling unwell, tired, and achy.

Prevention of UTIs:

• Empty your bladder fully when urinating.
• Keeping the genital area clean.
• Urinating after sexual intercourse.
• Try to maintain hygiene while using the washroom.

Treatment:

The type of medication and treatment depends on the age and symptoms of the infected people. Various medications, as suggested by doctors, can reduce the chances of this disease. Also, a healthy lifestyle by avoiding the risk factors related to UTIs can increase the chances of recovery from this problem.

A course of antibiotics, depending on the UTI problems for the individual,s can cure the disease. A long course of antibiotics, suggested by doctors, may help to manage it. 

Conclusion:

You may ask for urine culture tests and random urine tests for a better understanding of UTI diagnosis and detection. While medications can be crucial for managing it properly, you also need to maintain hygiene habits in urination, along with diet modifications help to reduce its risks. Contact Nirnayan Healthcare for accurate blood tests, urine tests, other screening and trusted reports.