Bladder Distention

The abnormal enlargement of bladder is called bladder distention. It occurs mainly due to the prolonged retention of urine in the bladder. The bladder distention symptoms usually include urgent urge to urinate, frequent need to urinate, pain in the bladder and sleeplessness. There are numerous factors that may lead to urine retention in the bladder. Such factors can be mechanical, anatomical, neuromuscular or side effects of certain drugs. Some disease condition that involves bladder distention as one of their symptoms are described below.

Causes of Bladder Distention

Multiple Sclerosis
The destruction of myelin insulation covering the neurons in the brain and spinal cord alters movement, sensation and various bodily functions. Such a condition is known as multiple sclerosis. When it affects upper motor neuron controlling the bladder, it causes optic neuritis, paresthesia, diplopia, nystagmus, muscle weakness, dizziness along with bladder distention.

Urethral Stricture
Urethral stricture is described as a region of hardened tissue that narrows the urethra. A patient of this disorder finds difficulty urinating, which in turn causes bladder distention. Usually, surgery is conducted to treat the condition. If it returns even after surgery, it is referred to as recurrent urethral stricture. Some common signs and symptoms of urethral stricture are frequent urge to urinate, decreased pressure and diameter of urine stream and dysuria.

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
The medical condition in which the normal elements of the prostate gland increase in size and number is known as benign or non-cancerous prostate hyperplasia. This causes a compression on the urethra as it passes through the center of the prostate. This blocks the outward flow of urine through the urethra to some extent. As a result, retention of urine occurs that further leads to distention of bladder. The patient of benign prostate hyperplasia experiences prostate enlargement, perineal pain, hematuria, constipation and incomplete bladder.

Bladder Cancer
The cancerous growth of bladder cells causes the blockage of urethral orifice and bladder distention. Some other noticeable symptoms of bladder cancer causing bladder distention are increase in urinary frequency accompanied with urgency, vomiting, dysuria, diarrhea, restlessness and pain in the bladder.

Diagnosis for Bladder Distention

In order to determine the exact reason behind the condition of bladder distention, a medical professional takes help of various diagnostic tests. Some common tests are urine culture, voiding cystourethrogram and cystometrogram to assess bladder function. The doctor may conduct post-voiding residual measurements like filling the bladder to find out the urine holding capacity of the bladder, and leakage if present.

Medical Treatment for Distented Bladder

In majority of the cases of bladder distention, there is a need to empty the bladder of the patient with the help of medical techniques. One such technique that is commonly used is catheterization. It involves the insertion of a catheter through the urethra and into the bladder to take the urine out. This is done whenever the need is felt. An important part of treatment is medication formulated to restore the normal state of distended bladder.

Surgery is often considered as the last option, only when medication fails to treat bladder distention. Generally, the objective of surgery is to remove or replace the defective part of the bladder. Suppose, the sphincter of bladder is not functioning well, then doctors replace it with a ring-like muscle at the neck of the bladder. This stops the leaking out of urine.

Caffeinated drinks and alcohol may lead to urine retention, which further complicates the condition of distented bladder. Try to avoid their consumption or take them only within limits. Secondly, do not drink large amounts of water, not more than 6-9 glasses a day. Excess of water may further complicate the matter. The problem of bladder distention needs to be taken with utmost seriousness. Pay a visit to the medical practitioner to determine the underlying factor and get effective treatment for the same.