Acute urinary retention

Acute Urinary Retention

Acute urinary retention (pronounced: a-kyoot yoo-rih-nair-ee ree-ten-shun) is a sudden inability to urinate, causing discomfort and pain. This condition requires immediate medical attention.

Etymology

The term "acute" comes from the Latin word "acutus", meaning sharp or severe. "Urinary" is derived from the Latin word "urina", which means urine. "Retention" comes from the Latin word "retentio", meaning the act of holding back.

Definition

Acute urinary retention is a medical emergency characterized by the sudden and painful inability to urinate despite having a full bladder. It is most common in men and can be caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract, such as an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract infection.

Symptoms

Symptoms of acute urinary retention may include severe discomfort and pain, bloating of the lower abdomen, and an urgent but unsuccessful need to urinate.

Causes

The most common cause of acute urinary retention is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged. Other causes can include urinary tract infections, neurological disorders, certain medications, and trauma to the pelvis or lower back.

Treatment

Treatment for acute urinary retention typically involves the insertion of a catheter to drain the urine from the bladder. Long-term treatment may involve medication, surgery, or other procedures to address the underlying cause of the retention.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Acute urinary retention
Wikipedia's article - Acute urinary retention

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