Underactive bladder: Difference between revisions
From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Bladder_Cancer.jpg|Bladder | | name = Underactive bladder | ||
| image = [[File:Bladder_Cancer.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Illustration of the bladder | |||
| field = [[Urology]] | |||
| synonyms = Detrusor underactivity | |||
| symptoms = [[Urinary retention]], [[urinary frequency]], [[urinary hesitancy]], [[incomplete bladder emptying]] | |||
| complications = [[Urinary tract infection]], [[bladder stones]], [[kidney damage]] | |||
| onset = Can occur at any age, more common in older adults | |||
| duration = Chronic | |||
| causes = [[Neurological disorders]], [[diabetes mellitus]], [[spinal cord injury]], [[medications]] | |||
| risks = [[Aging]], [[neurological disease]], [[prostate surgery]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Urodynamic testing]], [[post-void residual volume measurement]], [[bladder scan]] | |||
| differential = [[Overactive bladder]], [[urinary tract infection]], [[prostate enlargement]] | |||
| treatment = [[Bladder training]], [[intermittent catheterization]], [[medications]], [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = [[Bethanechol]], [[alpha-blockers]] | |||
| frequency = Common in older adults | |||
| deaths = Rarely directly fatal, but complications can be serious | |||
}} | |||
The '''underactive bladder''' (UAB) is a condition characterized by a bladder that does not contract with sufficient strength or duration to empty completely in a normal time span. This condition can lead to urinary retention and other complications. | The '''underactive bladder''' (UAB) is a condition characterized by a bladder that does not contract with sufficient strength or duration to empty completely in a normal time span. This condition can lead to urinary retention and other complications. | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
The underactive bladder is often the result of a dysfunction in the [[detrusor muscle]], which is responsible for contracting the bladder to expel urine. In UAB, the detrusor muscle may be weak or unable to contract effectively. This can be due to neurological disorders, muscle damage, or other underlying conditions that affect the bladder's ability to function properly. | The underactive bladder is often the result of a dysfunction in the [[detrusor muscle]], which is responsible for contracting the bladder to expel urine. In UAB, the detrusor muscle may be weak or unable to contract effectively. This can be due to neurological disorders, muscle damage, or other underlying conditions that affect the bladder's ability to function properly. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Several factors can contribute to the development of an underactive bladder: | Several factors can contribute to the development of an underactive bladder: | ||
* '''Neurological Disorders''': Conditions such as [[multiple sclerosis]], [[Parkinson's disease]], and [[spinal cord injury]] can affect the nerves that control bladder function. | * '''Neurological Disorders''': Conditions such as [[multiple sclerosis]], [[Parkinson's disease]], and [[spinal cord injury]] can affect the nerves that control bladder function. | ||
* '''Diabetes Mellitus''': Long-term diabetes can lead to neuropathy, which may impair bladder sensation and contractility. | * '''Diabetes Mellitus''': Long-term diabetes can lead to neuropathy, which may impair bladder sensation and contractility. | ||
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* '''Medications''': Certain medications, particularly those with anticholinergic properties, can reduce bladder contractility. | * '''Medications''': Certain medications, particularly those with anticholinergic properties, can reduce bladder contractility. | ||
* '''Obstruction''': Chronic bladder outlet obstruction, such as from [[benign prostatic hyperplasia]], can lead to detrusor muscle decompensation over time. | * '''Obstruction''': Chronic bladder outlet obstruction, such as from [[benign prostatic hyperplasia]], can lead to detrusor muscle decompensation over time. | ||
== Symptoms == | == Symptoms == | ||
Individuals with an underactive bladder may experience: | Individuals with an underactive bladder may experience: | ||
* Difficulty initiating urination | * Difficulty initiating urination | ||
* Weak urine stream | * Weak urine stream | ||
| Line 28: | Line 36: | ||
* Increased frequency of urination | * Increased frequency of urination | ||
* Urinary retention | * Urinary retention | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of UAB typically involves: | Diagnosis of UAB typically involves: | ||
* '''Patient History and Physical Examination''': Assessing symptoms and medical history. | * '''Patient History and Physical Examination''': Assessing symptoms and medical history. | ||
* '''Urodynamic Studies''': These tests measure the pressure and volume of the bladder and can help assess bladder function. | * '''Urodynamic Studies''': These tests measure the pressure and volume of the bladder and can help assess bladder function. | ||
* '''Post-Void Residual Measurement''': This test measures the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination. | * '''Post-Void Residual Measurement''': This test measures the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination. | ||
* '''Imaging Studies''': Ultrasound or other imaging techniques may be used to evaluate bladder structure and function. | * '''Imaging Studies''': Ultrasound or other imaging techniques may be used to evaluate bladder structure and function. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment for underactive bladder may include: | Treatment for underactive bladder may include: | ||
* '''Behavioral Therapies''': Bladder training and pelvic floor exercises can help improve bladder function. | * '''Behavioral Therapies''': Bladder training and pelvic floor exercises can help improve bladder function. | ||
* '''Medications''': Drugs that enhance bladder contractility or reduce outlet resistance may be prescribed. | * '''Medications''': Drugs that enhance bladder contractility or reduce outlet resistance may be prescribed. | ||
* '''Intermittent Catheterization''': This technique can help empty the bladder completely and prevent urinary retention. | * '''Intermittent Catheterization''': This technique can help empty the bladder completely and prevent urinary retention. | ||
* '''Surgical Interventions''': In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address underlying causes or to improve bladder function. | * '''Surgical Interventions''': In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address underlying causes or to improve bladder function. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for individuals with an underactive bladder varies depending on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. With appropriate management, many patients can achieve significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life. | The prognosis for individuals with an underactive bladder varies depending on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. With appropriate management, many patients can achieve significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life. | ||
== See Also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Overactive bladder]] | * [[Overactive bladder]] | ||
* [[Urinary retention]] | * [[Urinary retention]] | ||
* [[Neurogenic bladder dysfunction]] | * [[Neurogenic bladder dysfunction]] | ||
[[Category:Urology]] | [[Category:Urology]] | ||
[[Category:Bladder disorders]] | [[Category:Bladder disorders]] | ||
Latest revision as of 06:16, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Underactive bladder | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Detrusor underactivity |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Urinary retention, urinary frequency, urinary hesitancy, incomplete bladder emptying |
| Complications | Urinary tract infection, bladder stones, kidney damage |
| Onset | Can occur at any age, more common in older adults |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Neurological disorders, diabetes mellitus, spinal cord injury, medications |
| Risks | Aging, neurological disease, prostate surgery |
| Diagnosis | Urodynamic testing, post-void residual volume measurement, bladder scan |
| Differential diagnosis | Overactive bladder, urinary tract infection, prostate enlargement |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Bladder training, intermittent catheterization, medications, surgery |
| Medication | Bethanechol, alpha-blockers |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in older adults |
| Deaths | Rarely directly fatal, but complications can be serious |
The underactive bladder (UAB) is a condition characterized by a bladder that does not contract with sufficient strength or duration to empty completely in a normal time span. This condition can lead to urinary retention and other complications.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The underactive bladder is often the result of a dysfunction in the detrusor muscle, which is responsible for contracting the bladder to expel urine. In UAB, the detrusor muscle may be weak or unable to contract effectively. This can be due to neurological disorders, muscle damage, or other underlying conditions that affect the bladder's ability to function properly.
Causes[edit]
Several factors can contribute to the development of an underactive bladder:
- Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury can affect the nerves that control bladder function.
- Diabetes Mellitus: Long-term diabetes can lead to neuropathy, which may impair bladder sensation and contractility.
- Aging: As people age, the bladder muscle may weaken, leading to decreased contractility.
- Medications: Certain medications, particularly those with anticholinergic properties, can reduce bladder contractility.
- Obstruction: Chronic bladder outlet obstruction, such as from benign prostatic hyperplasia, can lead to detrusor muscle decompensation over time.
Symptoms[edit]
Individuals with an underactive bladder may experience:
- Difficulty initiating urination
- Weak urine stream
- Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
- Increased frequency of urination
- Urinary retention
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of UAB typically involves:
- Patient History and Physical Examination: Assessing symptoms and medical history.
- Urodynamic Studies: These tests measure the pressure and volume of the bladder and can help assess bladder function.
- Post-Void Residual Measurement: This test measures the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination.
- Imaging Studies: Ultrasound or other imaging techniques may be used to evaluate bladder structure and function.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for underactive bladder may include:
- Behavioral Therapies: Bladder training and pelvic floor exercises can help improve bladder function.
- Medications: Drugs that enhance bladder contractility or reduce outlet resistance may be prescribed.
- Intermittent Catheterization: This technique can help empty the bladder completely and prevent urinary retention.
- Surgical Interventions: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address underlying causes or to improve bladder function.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for individuals with an underactive bladder varies depending on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. With appropriate management, many patients can achieve significant improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
