BLADDER SPASM
A bladder spasm is an involuntary muscular contraction of the bladder muscles, causing an urgent need to urinate.
- Normally, the bladder slowly feels up with urine till nerve signals sent to the brain triggers a need to urinate.
- This sensation gives an individual cue to start looking for the bathroom.
- In bladder spasm, this sensation occurs suddenly and often severely forcing urine from the bladder, and leading to a leakage.
- A bladder spasm can affect the quality of life as affected individuals may feel embarrassed, isolate themselves, or limit both social and work life.
- A bladder spasm is more prevalent in women, can occur at any age and is usually not life-threatening.
CAUSES
Many conditions can result in bladder spasm. They may include:
- Overactive bladder
- Urinary tract infections
- Diabetes
- An enlarged prostate
- Interstitial cystitis
- Neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or Alzheimer’s disease
- Certain diuretics medications such as furosemide
- A chemotherapy drug called valrubicin (Valstar)
- Impaired kidney functions
- Bladder stones
- Irritation from catheter
- Lower abdominal surgery such as bladder surgery, caesarian sections, hysterectomy, and others
You may be at a higher risk of having a bladder spasm if you:
- Are an elderly person
- Are pregnant or recently had a baby
- Are obese
- Recently had lower or pelvic surgery
- Drink too much caffeine or alcohol
SYMPTOMS
A sudden uncontrollable urge to urinate.
Other symptoms of a bladder spasm depend on the underlying cause.
You may also experience the following symptoms if your bladder spasm is caused by urinary tract infections:
- Pelvic pain
- Urine that smells strong
- Red, pink, or cloudy looking urine
- Burning sensation when you do not urinate in time.
You may also experience the following symptoms if your bladder spasm is caused by overactive bladder:
- Leaking urine
- Frequent urination, up to eight or more times in a day
- Frequent urination often about two or more times per night.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
To make a diagnosis, the doctor will review your medical history and ask you about any medications you are on.
The doctor may carry out a physical examination focusing on your abdomen and genitals.
The doctor may carry out a laboratory test to examine your urine for blood, bacteria, or any other possible signs of infections.
The doctor may perform a neurological examination that may identify sensory problems and abnormal reflexes.
The doctor may also carry out a test to measure the pressure on your bladder, and speed of urination.
TREATMENT
Treatment option depends on the underlying cause of your condition. They include:
Changing fluid intake and diet that triggers a bladder spasm such as citrus fruit, tomatoes, spicy foods, chocolate, carbonated beverages, tea, and sugars.
Exercises such as Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
Losing weight if you are overweight.
Medications such as antispasmodics and anticholinergics which helps to relax the muscle of the bladder. They include tolterodine tartrate (Detrol), trospium chloride (Sanctura XR), solifenacin (Vesicare).
Tricyclic antidepressants such as doxepin may also be used.
An electrical nerve stimulator may also be used. This involves implanting or temporarily inserting electrical stimulator that sends mild electrical pulses to the affected nerves in the bladder.