Understanding Decompressed Bladder Symptoms, Causes, Risks and Treatment

Understanding Decompressed Bladder

A decompressed or underactive bladder refers to a condition where the bladder is unable to fully contract and empty completely. This leads to urine getting trapped in the bladder, causing it to expand and become stretched over time. While a decompressed bladder itself may not necessarily be harmful, it can lead to a number of uncomfortable urinary symptoms and potential complications if left untreated.

Causes of Decompressed Bladder

There are several possible causes that can lead to a decompressed and underactive bladder:

• Weakened bladder muscles - Conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, diabetes, or aging can cause the smooth muscle tissue of the bladder to weaken and lose contractile strength over time.
• Nerve damage - Damage to the nerves that control the bladder from diabetes, trauma, surgery, or disorders like Parkinson's disease can impair bladder function.
• Obstruction - Blockages from sources like prostate enlargement, uterine prolapse, bladder stones or tumors can obstruct urine flow and cause the bladder to retain urine.
• Medications - Certain medications like antidepressants, blood pressure drugs, sedatives and anticholinergics can interfere with normal bladder contractions.
• Spinal cord injury - Injuries at the level of the spinal cord can interrupt nerve signals to the bladder, leading to loss of control and sensation.

Symptoms of Decompressed Bladder

Some common signs and symptoms of a decompressed, underactive bladder include:

• Inability to fully empty the bladder
• Feeling like you need to urinate again shortly after going to the bathroom
• Straining or pushing to empty the bladder
• Dribbling or leakage of urine
• Frequent small volumes of urine
• Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Bladder or abdominal pain and discomfort
• Strong sudden urge to urinate
• Blood in the urine

Risks and Complications

When left untreated, a decompressed bladder can lead to a number of problematic bladder and urinary tract issues:

Urinary Incontinence

The inability to fully empty the bladder can result in urinary incontinence or leakage as urine builds up and eventually leaks out. This can range from occasional dribbling to a total loss of bladder control in severe cases.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urine that pools in the bladder creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth, significantly increasing the risk of recurrent UTIs. UTIs can lead to pain, discomfort and serious kidney infections if bacteria spreads to the upper urinary tract.

Bladder Stones

The minerals and salts in urine can crystallize and turn into bladder stones when concentrated in the residual urine left in a decompressed bladder. Bladder stones can cause pain and block urine flow.

Kidney Damage

Over time, the backed up urine and pressure on the kidneys from a distended bladder can result in permanent kidney damage from chronic infections or backflow of urine to the kidneys.

Bladder Wall Thickening

The chronic overstretching of the bladder muscles causes the wall to thicken and lose elasticity over time, further reducing bladder capacity and ability to fully empty.

Diagnosing Decompressed Bladder

If decompressed bladder is suspected based on urinary symptoms, the following tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis:

Medical History

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, urinary patterns, any past illnesses or injuries, medications being taken, and risk factors like diabetes or stroke.

Physical Exam

An examination of your abdomen will check for a distended or enlarged bladder that may be visible or palpable.

Urinalysis

A urine sample is checked for signs of infection, blood or other abnormalities. Urine left in the bladder for a long time has higher bacteria levels.

Bladder Ultrasound

Sound waves produce images of the bladder to evaluate size, shape, thickness and estimate amount of retained urine after voiding.

Urodynamic Testing

This involves filling the bladder with fluid via catheter and measuring pressure and muscle contractions to assess functionality.

Treating a Decompressed Bladder

Treatment focuses on removing any underlying cause, improving bladder emptying, and managing any complications or discomfort. Options may include:

Medications

Muscle relaxants, alpha blockers, and anticholinergics may help relax the bladder muscle and improve emptying. Antibiotics are used for infections.

Catheterization

Using a tube to regularly empty the bladder prevents overfilling and reduces infection risk.

Surgery

Procedures to remove obstructions or implants to stimulate bladder contractions may help select patients.

Bladder Retraining

Scheduled bathroom trips along with pelvic floor therapy can help retrain and strengthen the bladder over time.

Preventing Decompressed Bladder

While not all cases can be prevented, the following tips can lower risk of developing a decompressed bladder:

• Manage medical conditions like diabetes to prevent nerve damage
• Pelvic floor exercises to strengthen bladder muscles
• Maintain a healthy weight and diet
• Practice good toilet habits - don't delay urinating when needed
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol and caffeinated drinks
• Modify medications with doctor guidance if causing issues
• Prevent and treat UTIs promptly
• Physical therapy after injuries or surgery

When to See a Doctor

Consult a urologist or doctor if you experience:

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Inability to fully empty the bladder
• Leaking or dribbling urine
• Trouble starting urine stream
• Straining to urinate
• Decreased urine volume
• Recurring UTIs

Ongoing management of an underactive bladder is important to prevent irreversible damage and kidney problems. Seek prompt medical care for any signs of infection or pain.

Outlook for Decompressed Bladder

With proper treatment, many patients with a decompressed bladder can regain normal urinary function and capacity. However, nerve-related bladder issues may not be reversible. Regular medical care, bladder retraining, and self-care can help prevent complications like incontinence and infections.

While decompressed bladder can be frustrating to manage, a combination of medication, therapy, and healthy bladder habits can help maintain a good quality of life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.