Bladder irritation is characterized by several symptoms, such as pain or burning during urination, a frequent urge to urinate or even cloudy-looking urine. Different things can cause bladder irritation, it is important in all cases to consult a health professional to benefit from the appropriate treatment.
1. Urinary tract infections causing bladder irritation
Urinary tract infections are often caused by the bacterium “Escherichia coli”, although other bacteria can be the cause. This bacteria naturally present in the body goes up in the bladder and multiplies, thus causing irritation. Women are much more affected by urinary tract infections than men. The Institut Pasteur specifies on its website that “ adult women are 20 to 40 times more likely than men to be affected by a urinary tract infection. “. A urinary tract infection is considered recurrent or repeated when a patient has suffered from at least four urinary tract infections in the year. In this case, medical supervision is necessary.
2. Interstitial cystitis, a possible cause of bladder irritation
Interstitial cystitis is characterized by inflammation of the bladder without an infectious cause. Its cause remains unknown, but the medical community believes that damage to the cells of the bladder wall contributes to the appearance of the irritation. As health specialist media The MSD Manual points out, “ interstitial cystitis was a relatively rare pathology” and “about 90% of cases of interstitial cystitis occur in women. “.
3. Other causes of bladder irritation
In a minority of cases, other causes may be behind bladder irritation. This may for example be due to:
- Using a chemical irritant, such as a harsh cleanser, scented feminine hygiene product, or spermicide;
- Physical trauma, following surgery or intense sexual intercourse;
- Certain medical treatments, such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy;
- An anomaly of the urinary tract, which promotes irritation of the bladder.
4. Bladder stones and bladder irritation
Bladder stones are solid deposits that form inside the bladder. They are composed of minerals, calcium, uric acid or even ammonium. The presence of these stones can irritate the bladder wall and cause the various symptoms related to bladder irritation. Other symptoms may also appear such as fever, chills or abdominal swelling. Frequent urinary tract infections, taking certain medications, metabolic disorders or certain pathologies such as hyperparathyroidism or renal tubular acidosis can promote the appearance of bladder stones.
5. Irritation of the bladder: when to consult?
It is important to consult a health professional as soon as the first symptoms are felt. Burning or pain during urination, pain in the pelvic region, frequent urination or cloudy or bloody urine require medical consultation. To make the diagnosis, the doctor will first use a urine dipstick. This makes it possible to detect the presence of bacteria in the bladder. A cytobacteriological examination of the urine (ECBU) can also be prescribed to have more detailed results and to determine the bacterium in question. In some cases, a cystoscopy, that is to say the exploration of the bladder by means of a flexible fiber optic tube, then a biopsy of the bladder, are necessary. Depending on the results, other complementary examinations may then be recommended.
6. Treatments to relieve bladder irritation
Treatment for relieving bladder irritation will vary depending on the doctor’s diagnosis. The following treatments may, for example, be recommended:
- Antibiotic treatment in case of urinary tract infection of bacterial origin;
- Drug treatment, accompanied by a change in diet and bladder training in case of interstitial cystitis;
- Taking medication to dissolve the stones or removing them surgically in case of bladder stones;
- Surgical correction in case of abnormality of the urinary tract.
Analgesics and analgesics may also be prescribed to relieve pain related to bladder irritation. In any case, it is also often recommended to drink plenty of water, to help dilute the urine and reduce bladder irritation.
Sources:
The Pasteur Institute, The MSD Manual
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