Urinary retention
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| Urinary retention | |
|---|---|
| File:Harnverhalt.jpg | |
| Synonyms | Ischuria |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Inability to urinate, abdominal pain, bladder distension |
| Complications | Urinary tract infection, bladder damage, kidney damage |
| Onset | Sudden or gradual |
| Duration | Can be acute or chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Prostate enlargement, urethral stricture, neurological disorders, medications |
| Risks | Male gender, older age, surgery, medications |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, bladder scan, ultrasound |
| Differential diagnosis | Urinary incontinence, bladder outlet obstruction |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Catheterization, medications, surgery |
| Medication | Alpha blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common in older males |
| Deaths | N/A |
Urinary retention is a medical condition characterized by the inability to empty the bladder completely. It can be acute or chronic and may result from a variety of causes, including obstruction, nerve problems, or medications.
Causes[edit]
Urinary retention can be caused by several factors, which can be broadly categorized into obstructive and non-obstructive causes.
Obstructive Causes[edit]
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Urethral stricture
- Bladder stones
- Tumors in the pelvic region
- Constipation
Non-Obstructive Causes[edit]
- Neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or stroke
- Medications such as anticholinergics, antihistamines, and certain antidepressants
- Infections such as urinary tract infection
- Surgery affecting the pelvic region
Symptoms[edit]
The symptoms of urinary retention can vary depending on whether the condition is acute or chronic.
Acute Urinary Retention[edit]
- Sudden inability to urinate
- Severe pain in the lower abdomen
- Urgent need to urinate
- Swelling of the lower abdomen
Chronic Urinary Retention[edit]
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak urine stream
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Urinary incontinence
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of urinary retention involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
- Medical history and symptom review
- Physical examination including a digital rectal exam for men
- Bladder scan to measure post-void residual volume
- Urodynamic tests to assess bladder function
- Cystoscopy to visualize the urethra and bladder
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for urinary retention depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, catheterization, or surgery.
Medications[edit]
- Alpha-blockers to relax the muscles of the bladder neck and prostate
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for BPH
- Antibiotics for infections
Catheterization[edit]
Surgery[edit]
Complications[edit]
If left untreated, urinary retention can lead to serious complications such as:
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures for urinary retention include:
- Regular medical check-ups
- Managing underlying conditions such as BPH
- Avoiding medications that can cause urinary retention
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
See Also[edit]
External Links[edit]
- [American Urological Association](https://www.auanet.org)
- [National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases](https://www.niddk.nih.gov)
