Underactive bladder

Underactive Bladder Syndrome (UAB) is a urological condition characterized by bladder underactivity causing difficulty in voiding, resulting in incomplete bladder emptying.[1] UAB is often referred to by the general scientific community as detrusor underactivity.[2] Patients with UAB have a diminished sense of when the bladder is full and are not able to contract the muscles sufficiently, resulting in incomplete bladder emptying.[3]

The International Continence Society (ICS) refers to the condition of detrusor underactivity, defined as a contraction of reduced strength and/or duration, resulting in prolonged bladder emptying and/or failure to achieve complete bladder emptying within a usual time span. UAB may cause overdistention of the bladder, resulting in overflow incontinence. The disease can have a profound impact on quality of life.

Causes

The cause of UAB is unclear, however there are multiple possible causes of the syndrome. UAB symptoms are sometimes a result of neurological damage, surgery, medication side effects, and infection. In addition to these sources, the simple act of aging can result in the decline of bladder volume and elasticity.

Treatment

While treatment for UAB is often dependent on factors such as age, health, symptoms, and cause of the condition, it frequently includes lifestyle modification (fluid restriction, bladder retraining). Bethanechol is a prescription medication used for treatment, bethanechol can stimulate the nerves of the bladder, making them more responsive to stimulus. With UAB, it is common for patients to utilize a urinary catheter to void. Surgical options are also options, with a cuff or stent placed around or in the neck of the bladder to aid the emptying and leakage of urine. However, current therapies are considered inadequate and there is a strong need for new research and attention.[4]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Rigby D Underactive Bladder Syndrome. Nursing Standard. 2005 May 11–17;19(35):57-64; quiz 66-7.
  2. ↑ Miyazato M, Yoshiumura N, Chancellor M. The Other Bladder Syndrom: Underactive Bladder. Reviews In Urology. 2013; 15(1):11-22.
  3. ↑ "What is Underactive Bladder Syndrome?". www.underactivebladder.org. Underactive Bladder Foundation. 28 Dec 2013. Retrieved 28 December 2013.
  4. ↑ van Koeveringe GA, Vahabi B, Andersson KE, Kirschner-Herrmans R, Oelke M. Detrusor underactivity: A plea for new approaches to a common bladder dysfunction. Neurourology Urodynamics. 2011 Jun;30(5):723-8. doi:10.1002/nau.21097.
This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Monday, June 01, 2015. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.