A distended bladder is a medical condition where the bladder stretches beyond its typical size, often due to incomplete emptying. This stretching can lead to discomfort and various urinary issues. It indicates urine accumulation, signaling an underlying problem that requires medical attention.
Understanding a Distended Bladder
The bladder is a muscular, hollow organ designed to store urine before expulsion. It expands as it fills and contracts when emptying. An adult bladder normally holds 300 to 600 milliliters of urine. The sensation to urinate arises when the bladder contains around 150 to 250 milliliters.
When the bladder becomes distended, it stretches beyond its normal capacity, holding excessive fluid. This overfilling occurs because the bladder is not emptying properly, leading to urine buildup. Continuous stretching can weaken bladder muscles, impairing their ability to contract effectively. In severe cases, bladders may hold over 2 liters of urine.
Recognizing the Indicators
Several signs and symptoms can indicate a distended bladder. A person might experience a persistent or urgent need to urinate, yet pass very little urine or have difficulty initiating urination. This often leads to frequent trips to the bathroom without significant relief.
Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis is a common indicator, often described as a feeling of fullness, pressure, or tightness. Some individuals may notice visible swelling or bloating above the pubic bone. Other symptoms can include a weak or interrupted urine stream, dribbling of urine, or involuntary leakage, known as overflow incontinence. In more severe instances, symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or low back pain may also be present.
Common Causes
A distended bladder primarily results from urinary retention, where the bladder cannot empty completely. One common reason is a physical blockage in the urinary tract that obstructs urine flow. Examples include an enlarged prostate in men, bladder stones, or tumors. Urethral strictures, which are narrowings of the urethra, can also prevent urine from passing freely.
Neurological conditions can also disrupt the communication between the brain and the bladder, affecting its ability to empty. Diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or spinal cord injuries can interfere with the nerve signals that tell the bladder when to contract or relax. Certain medications, including some antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, or pain relievers, can relax bladder muscles or interfere with nerve signals, leading to urinary retention. Severe constipation can also contribute by causing a full rectum to press against the bladder, making it harder to empty, and inflammation from severe urinary tract infections (UTIs) can swell the bladder lining, hindering its ability to contract and empty.
Seeking Resolution
Addressing a distended bladder promptly is important to prevent complications. Healthcare professionals typically begin by draining the excess urine from the bladder, often through catheterization, a process involving a thin tube to drain urine. This provides immediate relief and helps prevent further stretching and potential damage to the bladder or kidneys.
After immediate drainage, the focus shifts to diagnosing and treating the underlying cause of the urinary retention. This might involve medications to relax bladder muscles or address infections. In cases of physical blockages, surgical options may be considered to remove obstructions like tumors or stones, or to correct structural issues. For neurological conditions, management strategies aim to improve bladder function, which can include specific therapies or adjustments to medication. Lifestyle modifications, such as regular voiding habits and managing fluid intake, can also support bladder health.