Urinary Retention (Bladder Emptying Problem)
Kidney Health Care - David Mangusan Jr., PTRP
Sponsored Ads
Urinary retention is a condition in which a person is unable to empty his or her bladder properly. It can be acute or chronic (long-term). In the acute type, the person is unable to urinate at all even if his/her bladder is full. A person having this condition needs immediate medical attention requiring prompt medical treatment.
People having chronic urinary retention may urinate more often and usually may feel an urgent need to urinate. In some cases, they may have little success in urinating. Also, others may still feel that they have to go even after they’ve finished urinating. Although it does not pose immediate threat to life, this condition may lead to serious complications in the future. Still, the condition should be looked into by a qualified healthcare professional.
Causes
Any health problem that causes obstruction in the urinary tract, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (males only) and infection causing swelling of the tract can interfere with bladder emptying. Nerve problems that may affect transfer of signals between the brain and the bladder like stroke and spinal cord injury can also cause bladder emptying problems. Having weak bladder muscles can cause this urinary disorder as well.
Other causes may include certain medications, surgery, bladder stone, multiple sclerosis and diabetes.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type. In acute urinary retention, a person may feel great discomfort or even pain in the lower abdomen. Other symptoms may include inability to urinate and bloating in the lower belly.
Symptoms of the chronic type may be milder including mild abdominal discomfort; difficulty starting a stream; and weak flow of urine. Others may feel that they need to urinate again even after doing so.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and the cause of the condition. Because acute urinary retention is a medical emergency, catheterization may be necessary. In this procedure, a tube called catheter is inserted through the urethra — the last part of the urinary tract — to the bladder. This helps to relieve stress put on the bladder and prevents permanent damage to the bladder wall. Further medical attention is necessary to treat the cause.
In chronic cases, insertion of a catheter may also be needed if other treatment options fail. The healthcare professional may teach patients to insert the catheter on their own. Practicing good sterile techniques is necessary to prevent the development of a urinary tract infection.
In any case, treating the underlying cause may stop urinary retention.
Related Topic:Urinary Incontinence: Bladder Control Problems
Source: www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov
Page Last Revised: November 22, 2010
[Top of Page]
People having chronic urinary retention may urinate more often and usually may feel an urgent need to urinate. In some cases, they may have little success in urinating. Also, others may still feel that they have to go even after they’ve finished urinating. Although it does not pose immediate threat to life, this condition may lead to serious complications in the future. Still, the condition should be looked into by a qualified healthcare professional.
Causes
Any health problem that causes obstruction in the urinary tract, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (males only) and infection causing swelling of the tract can interfere with bladder emptying. Nerve problems that may affect transfer of signals between the brain and the bladder like stroke and spinal cord injury can also cause bladder emptying problems. Having weak bladder muscles can cause this urinary disorder as well.
Other causes may include certain medications, surgery, bladder stone, multiple sclerosis and diabetes.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the type. In acute urinary retention, a person may feel great discomfort or even pain in the lower abdomen. Other symptoms may include inability to urinate and bloating in the lower belly.
Symptoms of the chronic type may be milder including mild abdominal discomfort; difficulty starting a stream; and weak flow of urine. Others may feel that they need to urinate again even after doing so.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and the cause of the condition. Because acute urinary retention is a medical emergency, catheterization may be necessary. In this procedure, a tube called catheter is inserted through the urethra — the last part of the urinary tract — to the bladder. This helps to relieve stress put on the bladder and prevents permanent damage to the bladder wall. Further medical attention is necessary to treat the cause.
In chronic cases, insertion of a catheter may also be needed if other treatment options fail. The healthcare professional may teach patients to insert the catheter on their own. Practicing good sterile techniques is necessary to prevent the development of a urinary tract infection.
In any case, treating the underlying cause may stop urinary retention.
Related Topic:Urinary Incontinence: Bladder Control Problems
Source: www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov
Page Last Revised: November 22, 2010
[Top of Page]
