Bladder spasm is a condition in which there is a sudden urge to urinate. Bladder spasms are associated with a medical condition called as urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is a condition in which there is a lack of bladder control. Many people experience it and the percentage of urinary incontinence is equal in men and women. People belonging to the older age group experience these kinds of conditions because of the weakened muscular system and their respective functionality. Urinary incontinence which is caused because of the spasms that occur in the urinary bladder is also associated with the control coordination maintained by the nervous system. In this condition, the muscles that are associated with the urinary bladder and the nerves pertaining to it are impaired.
Bladder spasms also occur during pregnancy. This is caused as the babies push the urinary bladder down initiating the urge to urinate frequently. Childbirth can also be associated with urinary leakage, as many women experience this condition as they go through the process of labour. In addition to these conditions such as constipation and menopause also initiate the onset of bladder spasms which may result in urinary incontinence. Bladder spasms can also occur because of an overactive urinary bladder. This condition may occur in some people suddenly when they see or touch running water, drink water or even during their sleep.
Urinary incontinence is generally associated with the age and lifestyle of a respective person. Bladder control develops in children at a very young age and any delay associated with this development may lead to nocturnal urination, in which a person urinates in the bed in his sleep. Urinary incontinence can also occur because of stress such as coughing, increased abdominal pressure and also during intense laughter. Urinary incontinence can also because of underlying nervous system disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Other factors that may lead to urinary incontinence include trauma caused in the bladder region, pertinent infections of the urinary tract and also increased caffeine and alcohol intake. The urinary incontinence associated with prostate gland is caused because of a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia. This condition occurs predominantly in men as the prostate gland enlarges because of the age.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of urinary incontinence and associated bladder spasms is done by examining the history of the patient in association with diet and lifestyle. Many people do not explain the incidences of urinary incontinence. Hence thorough examination of the patient history is mandatory to evaluate the causes for the urinary incontinence. Urine cultures are suggested if the patient has a history of recurrent urinary tract infections. Patients are also advised to calculate the amount of their fluid intake and relate it to the number of times they pass urine. Ultrasound and CT examination is done to identify underlying disorders of the prostate gland and also detect any kind of abnormal growth in the urinary bladder.
Treatment
Bladder spasms and associated urinary incontinence is a treatable condition. In case of muscular impairment exercises pertaining to pelvic muscles are given to strengthen the muscles associated. Drugs such as alpha blockers, anti-depressants are suggested to reduce the urinary incontinence. Bladder spasms are treated by administering anti-spasmodic such as propantheline. Surgical interventions are also done to treat urinary incontinence. Some of the procedures include the administration of artificial sphincter, male sling in some patient s have also shown good results. Urinary diversion is suggestive in case of bladder functionality loss or even damage. In this case, an alternative pathway is made for the disposal of urine after the removal of the damaged urinary bladder.