Inflammatory processes and other functional disorders of the bladder cause health problems. They are often associated with unpleasant symptoms. Common bladder diseases include cystitis, bladder weakness, bladder stones and bladder cancer.
Find out everything you need to know about common bladder diseases and their treatment options here. You can also find selected bladder specialists here.
The urinary bladder is a hollow muscular organ that serves as a temporary reservoir for urine. As soon as it reaches a certain level, it signals via the nervous system that the bladder needs to be emptied.
The bladder is therefore responsible for ensuring that water does not always leave the body.
Diseases that impair the normal function of the bladder are summarized under the term bladder diseases. The best-known diseases of the bladder are
Constant pressure on the bladder, regardless of how full it is, indicates an irritable bladder. Emptying the bladder only relieves the agonizing urge to urinate for a short time. Occasionally there is pain in the abdomen or when urinating (alguria).
There is often no clear cause for an irritated bladder. In women, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or the menopause promote an irritable bladder. A lowering of the pelvic floor can also be a possible trigger.
In men, an enlarged prostate can cause an irritable bladder. Hypothermia is another possible cause. The same applies to psycho-vegetative complaints such as nervousness or anxiety.
The anatomy of the bladder in men and women © Alila Medical Media| AdobeStock
Incontinence is also known as bladder weakness. It is the involuntary loss of urine. The condition significantly impairs the quality of life of those affected.
Incontinence occurs in various forms. Urge incontinence, for example, is characterized by a strong urge to urinate. It occurs so suddenly that those affected can no longer make it to the toilet in time.
The causes of incontinence are varied. They range from irritation of the urinary tract caused by infections or stone disease to neurological disorders.
Incontinence mainly affects older people. Here, age-related changes in the body often cause the weakness of the bladder. These include a slackening of the muscles or a change in the connective tissue.
Cystitis is characterized by a burning pain when urinating (alguria). There is also a frequent urge to urinate. The urine is cloudy and foul-smelling and may even contain blood.
If the inflammation remains untreated, it can spread via the ureters and cause pyelonephritis. Pain in the flanks and fever are signals that a visit to the doctor is essential.
Bacteria that travel from the anus to the bladder via the urethra are usually the cause of cystitis. Bacteria can also enter the urethra during sexual intercourse.
The female urethra is significantly shorter than the male urethra and its opening is closer to the anus. This is why women fall ill four times more often than men.
If the bladder muscles are weakened, residual urine remains in the bladder. This is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which can also lead to bladder inflammation.
Patients who complain of dysuria (painful, difficult urination) may be suffering from bladder stones. Cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen is another symptom of stone disease.
Bladder stones form from mineral salts that are too concentrated in the urine and are therefore no longer soluble. This results in crystal-like formations.
The formation of bladder stones is favored by
Bladder diseases generally also occur as secondary diseases or accompanying symptoms of other diseases. These include, for example
Bladder cancer (also known as bladder carcinoma) is a malignant tumor disease of the bladder.
The first signs include
The tumor only causes pain at an advanced stage. Bladder cancer usually occurs at an older age. Men are affected about three times as often as women.
Bladder cancer develops from malignant cells. In addition to hereditary factors, carcinogenic substances are the main cause of the disease. They are excreted in the urine, but remain in the bladder beforehand, where they can develop their effects. Smokers are therefore particularly at risk.
Chronic bladder infections also increase the risk.
If you notice one or more of the above symptoms, first consult your GP. If necessary, they will refer you to a urology specialist.
The diagnosis depends on the symptoms. A basic method is to examine the urine. This is one of the ways to diagnose cystitis.
A simple urine strip test can detect an increased number of white blood cells and nitrite (degradation product of bacteria). This provides certainty.
Other methods are available to clarify unclear findings. Using cystoscopy, the doctor can look inside the urethra and bladder. This is an outpatient, endoscopic examination.
Ultrasound examinations (sonography) are also frequently used to diagnose bladder diseases.
A wide range of treatments is available for the treatment of irritable bladder or incontinence, depending on the exact findings. Good results are achieved, for example, through bladder training that includes elements of behavioral therapy.
In the case of persistent bacterial bladder infections, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic.
Bladder stones that do not pass on their own are removed or crushed during a cystoscopy. Alternatively, the doctor will also use pressure waves. Small stones can be dissolved or flushed out with the help of medication, supported by an increased fluid intake. Open surgery is rarely necessary.
In any case, the doctor will treat the causes of the bladder stones in order to prevent new stone formation.
Superficially growing bladder carcinomas are removed by the doctor during cystoscopy. At an advanced stage, however, cure is only possible by completely removing the bladder. This may also require chemotherapy. Patients then receive an artificial bladder.
The aim of bladder disease treatment is always to alleviate the symptoms and combat the causes. In most cases, medical treatment leads to a rapid improvement and cure of the bladder disease.
Early detection is the best prerequisite for this. You should therefore take advantage of the opportunities offered by the statutory preventive medical check-ups. Also make sure you eat a balanced diet and avoid the following for the sake of your bladder
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