Bladder retention, more commonly referred to as urinary retention, occurs when the bladder fills with urine but cannot be relieved. Urinary retention requires medical care and the underlying cause should be determined and treated.

Symptoms

Symptoms develop quickly with urinary retention and may include a feeling of fullness and pain in the lower abdomen, abdominal swelling, or a strong need to pass urine but an inability to do so.

Causes

Anything that blocks the proper flow of urine is a cause for urinary retention. Causes may include an enlarged prostate, a kidney stone, or nerve damage. Urinary retention may also be caused by the side effects of a medication.

Chronic Vs Acute

Acute retention is defined as a recently developed, short-term issue. Chronic urinary retention is long-term and continuous, though relatively painless, and may include the ability to pass small amounts of urine but never completely empty the bladder.

Reasons For Treatment

Treatment is necasary because untreated urinary retention may cause damage and infection of the kidneys and urinary tract. Also, it is important to treat this disease so the doctors may discover the underlying issue.

Treatment Options

At home treatments, such as lying in a warm bath or running the water while attempting to urinate can be helpful for mild acute cases. Usually though, a cather will need to be inserted. In chronic cases a device which stimulates the nerves may need to be implanted.

Source:

BBC Health

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