If chronic urinary retention is not treated, there can be serious consequences. The main health concern is that a person’s bladder can stretch and weaken over time, leading to permanent damage and decreased bladder capacity.
This can cause serious discomfort, including sharp pains and lack of bladder control. Untreated chronic urinary retention can also lead to increased risks of urinary tract infections, urinary calculi or bladder stones, and kidney damage.
Without treatment, these conditions can become severe, resulting in additional complications and even orginal damage. Additionally, untreated chronic urinary retention can cause an accumulation of toxins in the bladder and kidney, which can lead to serious health issues.
In some cases, chronic urinary retention can also contribute to certain forms of bladder cancer. Therefore, it is essential for individuals with chronic urinary retention to receive medical care, so that the condition can be properly managed and complications can be avoided.
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Can you live with chronic urinary retention?
Yes, it is possible to live with chronic urinary retention (also known as ischuria). While it can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, there are some things that you can do to manage your condition. First, you should speak to your doctor in order to determine the underlying cause of your condition and get professional advice on how to manage it.
Depending on the cause, your doctor may suggest medications, lifestyle changes, or medical interventions.
It is also important to practice good bladder habits in order to reduce the risk of developing chronic urinary retention. For instance, use the restroom often, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, and don’t hold it in for too long.
You should also avoid common bladder irritants such as caffeine and carbonated drinks, as these can lead to bladder spasms and worsening symptoms. You should also stay active and keep up with regular exercise, as this can help to reduce stress on your bladder.
If you have been diagnosed with chronic urinary retention, it is important to take steps to effectively manage your symptoms and get the quality of care that you need. By following your doctor’s recommendations, monitoring your symptoms, and making lifestyle changes as needed, it is possible to live with chronic urinary retention.
Can urinary retention be healed?
Yes, urinary retention can be healed with proper treatment. Treatment for urinary retention depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes can be effective in managing the condition.
For instance, avoiding beverages or foods that irritate the bladder, reducing fluid intake before bedtime, urinating frequently to ensure the bladder does not become too full, and avoiding constipation are all strategies to consider.
Additionally, eliminating certain medications or changing their dosage may be beneficial as well.
For cases that do not respond to lifestyle modifications, there are a variety of medical treatments that may be prescribed. These can include medications to reduce an enlarged prostate, such as alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, medications to relax the bladder muscles, or medications to increase bladder capacity.
In more severe cases, a catheter may be inserted to help drain the bladder. Additionally, certain medical procedures, such as cystoscopy or uretherotomy, may be utilized.
Urinary retention is a serious medical issue and it is important to speak with a health care professional if you experience any of the symptoms. Depending on the underlying cause, the condition can be successfully treated.
With the guidance of a health care provider, you can find a treatment option that is right for you.
What is the most common cause of urinary retention?
The most common cause of urinary retention is a blockage in your urethra, the tube that transports the urine from your bladder. This blockage can be caused by various reasons, including an enlarged prostate, constipation, urethral stricture, neurogenic bladder, obstruction due to a tumor, and pelvic organ prolapse.
An enlarged prostate is the most common cause in males, while neurogenic bladder and constipation are the most common causes in females. Urinary tract infections, urinary stones, or trauma to the pelvic area can also cause urinary retention.
When should you go to ER for urinary retention?
If you experience difficulty, pain, or a complete inability to urinate, you should visit the emergency room or seek immediate medical attention. Urinary retention is potentially a serious medical emergency.
Other symptoms of urinary retention, such as distended bladder and decreased urine output, should also be evaluated to rule out any underlying medical issues. Depending on your medical history and the underlying cause of your urinary retention, you may need other tests and scans to further diagnose your condition.
You may be given a urinary catheter to allow you to empty your bladder or, in certain cases, an IV to provide any necessary medications. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying issue.
It is important to seek medical attention whenever you experience any of the symptoms associated with urinary retention.
How much urine retention is OK?
Urine retention is generally considered to be a mild medical condition, and as such, it is important to seek medical advice if you are experiencing this symptom. In general, it is best to aim for passing small amounts of urine frequently throughout the day.
In most cases, passing between 500ml and 1500ml of urine within a 24-hour period is generally regarded as an acceptable amount. Urine should be a clear, pale yellow colour, not too dark or concentrated.
If it appears darker and more concentrated, it’s likely your body is retaining more water and is unable to adequately rid itself of toxins.
If you are experiencing urine retention and the amount produced is not within the acceptable range, it’s worth speaking to your doctor. Your doctor will be able to provide advice and treatment to reduce urine retention.
Treatment may include lifestyle changes such as increasing your fluid intake, changing your diet, treating an underlying condition, or taking medication.
In any case, it is always important to discuss your specific situation with a doctor before taking any action.
What happens if you retain urine too long?
If you retain urine too long, it can have several serious effects on your body. This is because when the urinary bladder is full of urine, it places increasing pressure on the bladder and urethral walls, as well as on the kidneys.
Over time, these organs may become weakened or even damaged due to the pressure buildup. In addition, bacteria that normally reside in the bladder can become trapped and begin to multiply, leading to a urinary tract infection (UTI).
A UTI can cause pain and burning or itching sensations, frequent urges to urinate, and an unpleasant odor in the urine.
Other risks associated with long term urine retention include an increased risk of kidney infection, bladder stones, and incontinence (inability to control urination). Urine retention can also lead to a backup of urine up into the ureters and even the kidneys, leading to swelling of the kidneys and even kidney failure in severe cases.
If it is a recurring problem, it is important to seek medical attention and identify the source of the issue. Treatment options typically involve either medications or surgeries to improve the functioning of the bladder walls, or to redirect the flow of urine away from the kidneys in order to relieve pressure.
