Common Bladder Conditions in Seniors
Many parts of our body change with age, putting us at risk for different health conditions, and the bladder is no exception. November is Bladder Health Month, making it the perfect time to learn about your bladder and the symptoms of common bladder conditions that may develop with age.
The Function of The Bladder
The bladder is a triangle-shaped organ located in the lower abdomen. The bladder is part of the urinary system along with the kidneys, uterus, and urethra. Its primary function is to store urine until you’re ready to flush it out of your body. The bladder has elastic tissue that can expand to hold urine. As you age, that tissue becomes less flexible, meaning your bladder can’t hold as much urine, and you’ll need to use the bathroom more frequently.
Symptoms of Common Bladder Conditions
As the bladder changes with age, it may put you at risk for certain common bladder conditions.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence refers to changes in one’s ability to control their bladder. Urinary incontinence can range from complete loss of bladder control to a slight loss of urine after laughing, coughing, or sneezing. Women are more likely to experience urinary incontinence, especially those who have experienced childbirth or menopause. It’s also more common in people who are overweight, smoke or have a neurological disease or diabetes.
Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary tract, including the bladder. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, most commonly through the urethra, and spread to the bladder or kidneys. Symptoms can vary depending on where in the urinary system the infection is, but common signs include back or abdomen discomfit, frequent or painful urination, or blood in the urine. UTIs are most common in women, especially during menopause, as the decrease in estrogen can make women more vulnerable to infection.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the bladder. Bladder cancer is most common in males older than 55, and it’s also more common in individuals who smoke or who have had previous bladder infections or inflammation. Signs of bladder cancer include blood in the urine, frequent or painful urination, and back pain. When caught earlier, bladder cancer is highly treatable.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Kidneys are part of the urinary system and can cause similar systems to many bladder conditions. Kidney disease is the gradual loss of kidney function. Symptoms of kidney disease may vary depending on the stage, but common signs may include nausea, fatigue, frequent urination, muscle cramps, and high blood pressure. Kidney disease is most common in those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Additional risk factors include smoking, obesity, older age, and those of African, Native American, or Asian descent.
How Visiting Angels Can Help
If you or an aging loved one is living with a bladder condition that makes it challenging to live alone, the team at Visiting Angels Northeast Ohio can help. Our caregivers help seniors age in place safely by providing various non-medical tasks, such as assistance toileting and personal grooming. Our caregiver can also help with light housekeeping, medication reminders, meal preparations, and more. Our Mentor office serves those in Lake County, Geauga, and Northern Cuyahoga counties. If you’d like to learn more about our services, you can complete this online form or call us at 440.974.0869.