How does excessive alcohol intake affect urination. What are the symptoms of alcohol-induced urinary retention. How can acute urinary retention from alcohol be treated. What are the potential complications of untreated urinary retention.

The Physiology of Normal Urination

Understanding normal urination is crucial to grasping why alcohol can disrupt this process. Under typical circumstances, urination is a reflexive action controlled by the central nervous system. When the bladder fills with approximately 250-300ml of urine, nerve signals trigger the urge to urinate.

The act of urination involves a coordinated effort between muscle contraction and relaxation:

• The detrusor muscle of the bladder contracts
• The bladder neck and urethra relax and dilate
• Urine flows from the bladder through the urethra and out of the body

This harmonious process can be disrupted by various factors, including excessive alcohol consumption.

Alcohol-Induced Urinary Retention: Mechanisms and Causes

Urinary retention occurs when the bladder is full, but the individual is unable to empty it completely or at all. While there are numerous causes of urinary retention, alcohol-induced retention is a significant concern.

How does alcohol lead to urinary retention?

Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with normal urination through several mechanisms:

1. Central Nervous System Depression: Alcohol inhibits the cerebral cortex and nerve centers responsible for controlling urination.
2. Impaired Sensation: High blood alcohol levels can diminish the sensation of a full bladder, leading to over-distension.
3. Disrupted Muscle Coordination: Alcohol can interfere with the coordinated contraction and relaxation of muscles necessary for urination.

These factors combined can result in the inability to initiate or complete urination, leading to acute urinary retention.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Alcohol-Induced Urinary Retention

Identifying the signs of urinary retention is crucial for prompt treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or pubic area
• A persistent urge to urinate without the ability to do so
• Burning sensation in the bladder
• Anxiety and irritability
• Visible distension of the lower abdomen

Can urinary retention from alcohol resolve on its own? While mild cases may improve as the body metabolizes alcohol, severe retention requires medical intervention to prevent complications.

Potential Complications of Untreated Urinary Retention

Failing to address acute urinary retention can lead to serious health consequences:

Bladder Rupture

In extreme cases, an over-distended bladder can rupture, causing urine to leak into the abdominal cavity. This medical emergency can result in severe infection and potentially life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.

Urinary Tract Infections

Stagnant urine in the bladder creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Chronic or recurrent UTIs can lead to more severe conditions like pyelonephritis (kidney infection).

Kidney Damage

Prolonged or recurrent episodes of urinary retention can cause urine to back up into the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney damage or failure over time.

Diagnosing Alcohol-Induced Urinary Retention

When a patient presents with symptoms of urinary retention after alcohol consumption, healthcare providers may employ several diagnostic tools:

• Physical Examination: Palpation of the lower abdomen to assess bladder distension
• Ultrasound: To visualize the bladder and measure urine volume
• Catheterization: To relieve retention and measure residual urine volume
• Blood Tests: To assess kidney function and rule out other causes

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment approach and preventing complications.

Treatment Options for Alcohol-Induced Urinary Retention

The primary goal in treating alcohol-induced urinary retention is to safely empty the bladder and prevent recurrence. Treatment options include:

Catheterization

Inserting a urinary catheter is often the first-line treatment for acute retention. This procedure must be performed under sterile conditions to prevent introducing infections.

Supportive Care

Providing intravenous fluids and electrolyte replacement may be necessary, especially in cases of severe intoxication.

Medications

In some cases, alpha-blockers or other medications may be prescribed to relax the bladder neck and facilitate urination.

Long-term Management

For individuals with recurrent alcohol-induced retention, addressing underlying alcohol use disorders is crucial for preventing future episodes.

Preventing Alcohol-Induced Urinary Retention

While moderate alcohol consumption is generally safe for most individuals, taking steps to prevent urinary retention is important:

• Limit alcohol intake to moderate levels
• Stay hydrated by alternating alcoholic drinks with water
• Urinate regularly, even if the urge isn’t strong
• Be aware of medications that may interact with alcohol and affect urination
• Seek medical attention promptly if urinary symptoms develop

Is it possible to completely eliminate the risk of alcohol-induced urinary retention? While abstaining from alcohol is the surest way to prevent this condition, responsible drinking and awareness of one’s body can significantly reduce the risk.

The Impact of Chronic Alcohol Use on Urinary Function

Beyond acute episodes of urinary retention, chronic alcohol abuse can have lasting effects on the urinary system:

Bladder Dysfunction

Long-term alcohol use can lead to changes in bladder muscle tone and nerve function, potentially causing chronic urinary retention or incontinence.

Prostate Issues

In men, chronic alcohol consumption may contribute to prostate enlargement, further complicating urination.

Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalances

Frequent alcohol use can lead to chronic dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, affecting overall kidney and bladder function.

Understanding these long-term risks underscores the importance of moderation and seeking help for alcohol use disorders.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Urinary Issues After Drinking

Recognizing when to seek medical help is crucial for preventing complications of alcohol-induced urinary retention. Individuals should seek immediate medical attention if they experience:

• Inability to urinate for several hours despite a full bladder
• Severe lower abdominal pain or distension
• Signs of infection such as fever, chills, or cloudy urine
• Blood in the urine
• Recurring episodes of urinary retention after drinking

Prompt medical intervention can prevent serious complications and provide relief from the discomfort associated with urinary retention.

The Role of Hydration in Preventing Alcohol-Related Urinary Issues

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of alcohol on the urinary system. Here’s why:

Dilution of Alcohol

Drinking water alongside alcoholic beverages helps dilute the alcohol in the bloodstream, potentially reducing its impact on the nervous system and urinary function.

Maintaining Kidney Function

Adequate hydration supports kidney function, helping to filter toxins and maintain proper urine production.

Preventing Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. Compensating with water intake helps maintain fluid balance.

How much water should one drink while consuming alcohol? A general guideline is to alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water, but individual needs may vary based on factors such as body weight, alcohol tolerance, and overall health.

The Interaction Between Alcohol and Other Substances Affecting Urination

Alcohol’s effects on urination can be compounded by other substances, including:

Medications

Certain medications, such as diuretics, antidepressants, and antihistamines, can interact with alcohol and further impact urinary function.

Caffeine

Like alcohol, caffeine has diuretic properties. Combining alcohol with caffeine-containing beverages can increase the risk of dehydration and urinary issues.

Recreational Drugs

Some recreational drugs can affect urinary function and potentially exacerbate alcohol-induced urinary retention.

Understanding these interactions is crucial for individuals who consume alcohol, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions or who take regular medications.

The Importance of Education and Awareness in Preventing Alcohol-Related Urinary Issues

Promoting awareness about the potential urinary complications of alcohol consumption is essential for public health. This includes:

• Educating individuals about responsible drinking habits
• Raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of urinary retention
• Encouraging open communication with healthcare providers about alcohol use
• Promoting understanding of how alcohol affects various body systems, including urination

By fostering a culture of awareness and responsible drinking, many cases of alcohol-induced urinary retention could be prevented.

Recovery and Long-Term Outlook After Alcohol-Induced Urinary Retention

For individuals who have experienced alcohol-induced urinary retention, the recovery process and long-term outlook can vary:

Immediate Recovery

Most cases of acute urinary retention resolve quickly with proper medical intervention. Patients typically experience relief once the bladder is emptied via catheterization.

Short-Term Follow-Up

Healthcare providers may recommend follow-up appointments to ensure complete resolution of symptoms and to address any underlying factors contributing to the episode.

Long-Term Considerations

For individuals with recurrent episodes or those with chronic alcohol use disorders, long-term management may involve:

• Alcohol use counseling or addiction treatment
• Regular medical check-ups to monitor urinary and kidney function
• Lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of future episodes

Can the bladder fully recover from alcohol-induced retention? In most cases, the bladder recovers completely with proper treatment. However, repeated episodes or chronic alcohol abuse may lead to long-term bladder dysfunction.

The Role of Technology in Diagnosing and Treating Alcohol-Related Urinary Issues

Advancements in medical technology have improved the diagnosis and treatment of alcohol-induced urinary retention:

Portable Ultrasound Devices

These allow for quick and non-invasive assessment of bladder volume, even in emergency settings.

Advanced Catheterization Techniques

New catheter designs and materials have reduced the risk of infection and improved patient comfort.

Telemedicine

Remote consultations can provide quick access to medical advice for individuals experiencing urinary symptoms after alcohol consumption.

Mobile Health Apps

Apps that track alcohol consumption and remind users to stay hydrated can help prevent urinary issues.

These technological advancements contribute to more effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of alcohol-related urinary problems.

The Economic Impact of Alcohol-Induced Urinary Retention

The financial implications of alcohol-induced urinary retention extend beyond individual healthcare costs:

Healthcare System Burden

Emergency room visits and hospitalizations for alcohol-related urinary issues contribute to overall healthcare expenditures.

Workplace Productivity

Time off work due to alcohol-related health issues, including urinary retention, can impact both individual and company productivity.

Long-Term Healthcare Costs

Chronic alcohol abuse leading to recurrent urinary issues or kidney damage can result in significant long-term medical expenses.

Understanding these economic factors underscores the importance of prevention and responsible alcohol consumption at both individual and societal levels.

Cultural Perspectives on Alcohol Consumption and Urinary Health

Cultural attitudes towards alcohol consumption can significantly influence the prevalence and management of alcohol-induced urinary retention:

Drinking Norms

Societies with high alcohol consumption as a cultural norm may see higher rates of alcohol-related urinary issues.

Healthcare-Seeking Behaviors

Cultural attitudes towards discussing urinary problems or seeking medical help can affect how quickly individuals receive treatment for retention.

Traditional Remedies

Some cultures may rely on traditional or herbal remedies for urinary issues, which may delay proper medical treatment.

Understanding these cultural factors is crucial for developing effective public health strategies to address alcohol-induced urinary retention across diverse populations.

Future Directions in Research and Treatment

As our understanding of alcohol’s effects on the urinary system continues to evolve, several areas of research show promise:

Pharmacological Interventions

Development of medications that can prevent or quickly resolve alcohol-induced urinary retention without significant side effects.

Genetic Factors

Investigating genetic predispositions to alcohol-induced urinary issues could lead to personalized prevention strategies.

Neuroimaging Studies

Advanced brain imaging techniques may provide insights into how alcohol affects the neural pathways controlling urination.

Wearable Technology

Development of devices that can monitor bladder volume and alert individuals to potential retention issues in real-time.

These research directions hold the potential to significantly improve the prevention and treatment of alcohol-induced urinary retention in the future.

As we conclude our exploration of alcohol-induced urinary retention, it’s clear that this condition represents a significant but often overlooked consequence of excessive alcohol consumption. By understanding the mechanisms, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing when to seek help, individuals can better protect their urinary health while enjoying alcohol responsibly. Healthcare providers and public health officials play crucial roles in education and prevention, while ongoing research promises to enhance our ability to address this issue effectively. Ultimately, a combination of personal responsibility, medical expertise, and continued scientific inquiry will be key to reducing the incidence and impact of alcohol-induced urinary retention in our society.

Urinary retention due to drinking too much alcohol

This is an automatically translated article.

There are many different causes of acute urinary retention, one of which can be due to excessive alcohol consumption. In case of acute urinary retention, if not promptly catheterized, it can lead to rupture of the bladder, causing urine and blood to overflow into the abdominal cavity, causing acute infection, affecting the patient’s life.

1. What is urinary retention like?

For normal people, urination is a reflex control at will, there is a harmonious combination between strong muscle contraction and wide dilation of the bladder neck, under the control of the central nervous system to make urine flow. Urine goes from the bladder to the urethra and then out.
Normally, when the bladder contains a certain amount of urine, about 250ml-300ml will cause irritation that makes you need to urinate and urinate. Urinary retention is when your bladder is full of urine but you are unable to urinate. Urinary retention, also known as urinary retention, occurs mainly in adults. Urinary retention if not treated in time can have bad consequences.
There are many different possible causes of acute urinary retention. If the bladder wall does not contract strongly enough, urinary retention can occur. Weak bladder contractions are caused by a loss of contact with the autonomic nervous system that controls urination, or due to spinal trauma, pelvic fractures, or bladder conditions (such as fibrous bladder walls). due to chronic inflammation or acute inflammation of the bladder, chronic inflammation, bladder stones …).
In some cases, bladder stones move to block the opening of the bladder with the urethra, obstructing the flow of urine, even completely blocking it, causing acute urinary retention. Urinary retention can also be caused by chronic urethritis causing fibrosis, narrowing of the urethra due to inflammation such as gonorrhea or Chlamydia.
In men, urinary retention can also be caused by a disease of the prostate gland (such as inflammation, benign prostatic hyperplasia or benign or malignant tumor) that will compress the bladder neck causing urinary retention.
Women can also experience urinary retention due to the above common causes. Some cases of acute urinary retention may be due to psychological reasons such as traveling in crowded trains, sitting in meetings for a long time, etc., having to hold urine for a long time, leading to urinary retention.

Bí tiểu cấp nếu không được thông tiểu kịp thời có thể gây vỡ bàng quang

2. Why is urinary retention due to alcohol?

In addition to the above causes, acute urinary retention can also be caused by drinking a lot of alcohol. In fact, there are many patients with acute urinary retention due to alcohol.
The mechanism of this formation is because high blood alcohol concentration inhibits the cerebral cortex and some nerve centers involved in controlling urination, causing consciousness disturbances, so people who drink alcohol do not have The feeling of needing to urinate, from which the bladder capacity increases beyond the allowable threshold.

3.

Manifestations of acute urinary retention

Most people with urinary retention have symptoms of pain, i.e. bladder, anterior pubic area and persistent discomfort if not treated (medical) or not catheterized (surgical intervention) in time.
People with acute urinary retention often have a burning sensation and always want to urinate but cannot urinate, which makes them feel more uncomfortable and irritable.
Urinary retention feels very uncomfortable, painful, and burning in the bladder, especially when accompanied by acute or chronic inflammation of the bladder. These things will greatly affect your daily life as well as your health.
If urinary retention is not handled in time or recurs many times, it can cause cystitis, even retrograde inflammation, nephritis and greatly affect kidney function, thereby causing kidney failure.
The bladder is like a rubber ball that can be stretched to hold urine, when full, the bladder wall will be thinner and more vulnerable than an empty or low-water bladder.
In case of acute urinary retention, if not promptly catheterized, it can lead to bladder rupture, causing urine and blood to overflow into the abdominal cavity, causing acute infection. This situation, if not treated promptly, can lead to death.

Bí tiểu cấp có thể do uống nhiều bia rượu

4. How to handle acute urinary retention due to drinking alcohol?

Management of acute urinary retention requires medical examination as soon as possible to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
Urinary catheters need to be absolutely sterile medical equipment, otherwise it can cause hospital UTIs. In case of acute urinary retention accompanied by cystitis, prostate disease in men, spinal cord injury, pelvic trauma, urethral fibrosis… the treatment needs to be patient under the supervision. Prescribing medication and consulting a doctor.
In summary, there are many different causes of acute urinary retention, one of which can be due to drinking a lot of alcohol. In case of acute urinary retention, if not promptly catheterized, it can lead to rupture of the bladder, causing urine and blood to overflow into the abdominal cavity, causing acute infection, affecting the patient’s life. Therefore, the best way to prevent acute urinary retention due to alcohol is to avoid or use this drink in a reasonable and moderate manner.

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How Does Alcohol Affect The Bladder?

While drinking may seem normal to many people, most aren’t entirely aware of how alcohol affects the body, including organs like their bladder. In addition to adding empty calories to your diet and spiking your insulin levels, alcohol affects the esophagus, heart, liver, kidneys, and unsurprisingly, the bladder. Not only does alcohol affect the bladder immediately, but it can also produce long-term effects, especially in cases of alcohol abuse. If you’re an avid drinker and have experienced pain or loss of bladder control after drinking alcohol, then this is for you.

What Is the Function of the Bladder?

The bladder is a triangular, hollow organ located in the lower abdomen. The bladder’s walls relax and expand to store urine and contract and flatten to empty urine through the urethra. The bladder of a healthy adult can store up to two cups of urine for two to five hours.¹

The kidneys (a pair of purplish-brown bean-shaped organs) and the bladder work together to eliminate waste from the body. The kidneys are in charge of removing waste products and drugs from the body, balancing bodily fluids, releasing hormones to regulate blood pressure, and controlling the production of red blood cells. ¹

The kidneys remove urea from the blood through tiny filters called nephrons. Each nephron contains a ball of small blood capillaries called a glomerulus and a small tube called a renal tube. Urea, together with water and other waste, forms the urine as it’s passed through nephrons and down the renal tubules of the kidney.¹

Normal, healthy urine is a pale yellow or transparent yellow color, and honey-colored or dark yellow urine is a sign that you need more water. Brownish-colored urine may indicate a liver problem or severe dehydration, while pink or red urine may contain blood. If you’re noticing any of the latter urine problems, reach out to your doctor immediately.¹

What Does Alcohol Do to Your Bladder?

Alcohol does affect the bladder in various ways. Because it’s a diuretic, alcohol forces the kidney to release more sodium into your urine, which fills the bladder up quicker and increases the frequency of urination. People with extra sodium in their urine may take diuretic medications or water pills to help get rid of sodium in the body.

These medications help remove water from the blood and decrease the amount of fluid flowing through the veins and arteries. So basically, the more alcohol you drink, the more you’ll urinate, not just because it’s a liquid but also because it’s a diuretic.

While this may be a mildly inconvenient side effect to casual or irregular drinkers, alcohol can have a much more sinister impact on the bladder in people who binge drink, drink heavily, or abuse alcohol. Additionally, taking high doses of diuretic medications – or in this case, drinking too much alcohol – can lead to dehydration and more concentrated urine, which can be irritating to the bladder.

As a result, alcohol can cause bladder infection and inflame the lining of the bladder, causing it to swell and stretch to a dangerous size. If the bladder swells, it can block flow to the kidneys, which would cause renal failure.

Overall, some common short and long-term effects of alcohol on the bladder include:

• Irritation and swelling
• Painful urination
• Difficulty urinating
• Urinating frequently
• Dehydration
• Fluid retention, causing swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart attack
• Liver failure
• Infection

People who tend to experience alcohol and bladder-related problems also struggle with kidney problems. Considering how connected these organs are in terms of function, any alcohol-related bladder damage can have a domino effect, starting with the kidneys. If you’re a heavy drinker and your bladder hurts after drinking alcohol, or you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, seek medical attention immediately.

Alcohol and Bladder Cancer

The relation between alcohol and bladder problems was investigated to determine whether cancer could be a possible outcome of chronic drinking. According to a case-control study conducted between 1985 and 1992 that included 727 people with bladder cancer, there was no significant association between alcohol consumption and bladder cancer.²

In a more recent study conducted in 2021, however, researchers found that while consuming alcohol from drinks like beer was not linked to bladder cancer, the risk of bladder cancer increased when alcohol was consumed from liquor or spirits, especially in males. Specifically, having an alcoholic drink every day (of spirits or liquor) could elevate the risk of bladder cancer by 9%. ³

So although there’s nothing to say that heavy drinking causes bladder cancer directly, considering alcohol’s effects on the bladder, it’s safe to say that it’s best to avoid drinking if you have a history of bladder cancer in the family or suffer from any underlying bladder-related problems. But wait, can you drink alcohol if you have bladder cancer?

Again, alcohol is more of a catalyst or contributing factor to bladder cancer rather than a direct cause. Nonetheless, it’s safest to avoid alcohol consumption if you have bladder cancer, especially heavy drinking. Considering that alcohol can significantly irritate the bladder, this could worsen symptoms.

Help for Alcohol Abuse

If you experience bladder problems after drinking alcohol, you might have a more serious issue with drinking than you think. Additionally, if you struggle to control how much you drink, you might have a substance use disorder. This is where our alcohol rehab in Illinois comes in.

We offer medical alcohol detox to address the physical aspects of recovery, such as withdrawals, as well as one-on-one and group therapy options to help patients realize the source of their addictions and develop sober skills they can practice daily outside of rehab. We equip patients with the tools they need to remain sober for the rest of their lives.

In cases where relapse occurs, we also offer a stabilization program in which clients can begin treatment again and get back to a good place in their recovery. No matter how severe your addiction is, our Banyan rehab in Gilman, Illinois, can help.

For more information about our inpatient substance abuse treatment in Illinois, call Banyan Treatment Center at 888-280-4763.

Scientists: alcohol destroys the brain after refusing to use

Alcohol continues to destroy the brain even a month and a half after refusing to use it, Spanish scientists have found. They hope the new data will provide insight into the changes that take place in the brains of alcoholics.

Alcohol continues to damage the brain even after quitting, experts from the Institute of Neurosciences in Alicante, in collaboration with colleagues from the Central Institute for Mental Health in Mannheim, found out. The study was published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry .

The danger of alcohol abuse for the brain is widely known and not questioned. However, the structural changes occurring in the brain are very heterogeneous. In addition, they are difficult to study due to the frequency of relapses in alcohol use in alcoholics.

Using MRI, researchers have been able to study what happens to the brain of alcoholics in the first weeks after quitting alcohol.

The participants in the study were 90 people hospitalized due to alcohol problems, their average age was 46 years. The control group consisted of 36 men aged about 41 years without problems with alcohol.

As it turned out, even after the participants stopped drinking alcohol,

for six weeks there were still pathological changes in the white matter of their brains.

White matter contains bundles of nerve fibers that connect different areas of the brain.

“Until now, no one could believe that without the use of alcohol, brain damage would progress,” admits Dr. Santiago Canals, one of the authors of the work. – An important aspect was that the patients participating in the study were hospitalized as part of a detoxification program and their consumption of addictive substances was controlled, that is, they were guaranteed not to drink alcohol. So we could study what happens when you abstain from alcohol.”

The changes mainly affected the frontal lobe of the brain, where the centers responsible for conscious movements, as well as the ability to write and speak, and the right hemisphere are located.

In parallel, the researchers studied the brains of specially bred rats with cravings for alcohol, placed in the same conditions. They showed similar changes.

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“Drinking alcohol causes changes in white matter, the fibers that connect different parts of the brain,” explains Canals. – Changes are most intense in the corpus callosum and fimbria of the hippocampus. The corpus callosum connects the right and left hemispheres. The fimbria connects the hippocampus, an area important for memory formation, with the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex.”

The nucleus accumbens is part of the brain’s reward system, and the prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision making.

The damage affecting the brain refutes the generally accepted idea that the brain begins to bounce back immediately after quitting alcohol, the authors note.

This process takes much more time.

Now researchers are going to take a closer look at the inflammatory and degenerative processes that occur in the brain to find out exactly what happens in the brain of chronic alcoholics at an early stage of quitting addiction.

They also have high hopes for experiments on rats. Studying people is often difficult due to differences in the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption, medication, differences in hangover symptoms, and other factors that can affect the objectivity of the result. Now that it has been shown that the same changes occur in the brain of rats as in the brain of humans, they may become a suitable model organism. In addition, their brain during research can be studied posthumously.

It has also been previously found that alcohol abuse can affect the functions of certain gene , increasing cravings for drinking.

In those who abuse alcohol, scientists have found methylation (DNA change without changing the nucleotide sequence) of the Per2 and POMC genes, as well as a decrease in their expression. Per2 regulates a number of brain functions and has been shown previously in mice to mutate to increase alcohol cravings. POMC is responsible for the production of the prohormone (the biological precursor of the hormone) proopiomelanocortin. From it, depending on the place of synthesis and specific stimuli, several types of hormones are formed at once, affecting, among other things, opioid receptors.

The higher the alcohol consumption, the stronger the changes.

In addition, drinking even 1-2 alcoholic drinks a day increases the risk of stroke. A couple of glasses of wine or a bottle of beer a day increase it by 10-15%, four servings of alcohol – by 35%.

Researchers from Peking University for 10 years observed for 500 thousand Chinese. Although moderate alcohol consumption was previously thought to reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease, this has not been found to be the case.

However, it cannot yet be said that these risks apply to all people – Asians have a genetically reduced tolerance for alcohol and they are more likely to suffer from the negative consequences of its use. To say that the increased risk of stroke also threatens Europeans, it is necessary to monitor other populations.

Urinary retention: causes and treatment

Urinary retention is a pathological condition in which more than 20 ml of urine remains in the bladder after urination. The main subjective symptom is a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. As a rule, this disorder has a chronic form, develops gradually and is characterized by a distinct tendency to worsen: the amount of residual urine is constantly increasing. After a while, there may even be a complete delay, when urination completely stops.

Urinary retention has its own causes:

• diseases of the central nervous system, injuries and tumors of the brain and spinal cord;
• prostatitis, hyperplasia, sclerosis, prostate cancer – the reasons why urinary retention most often develops in men;
• injuries of the genitourinary system;
• narrowing of the lumen (strictures), tumors and abnormalities of the urethra;
• bladder stones;
• operations on the pelvic organs, traumatic childbirth, abortion, etc.

Against the background of chronic retention, acute urinary retention may develop. It appears suddenly. In this case, the patient is not able to urinate at all, symptoms such as pain in the lower abdomen, general weakness, sometimes fever, vomiting, and nausea appear. This condition can also be a consequence of:

• injuries;
• diseases and injuries of the nervous system;
• stones or foreign bodies in the urethra;
• stresses;
• alcohol intoxication;
• operations on the organs of the small pelvis and perineum;
• drug intoxication
• long stay in the supine position.

Act. The daily rate of excreted urine ranges from 1-2 liters, which corresponds to 60-75% of the amount of fluid drunk. To remove all metabolic products from the body, the volume of urine must be at least 500 ml. Therefore, a person needs to consume at least 800 ml of fluid per day.

Early identified causes of urinary retention can be treated. Therefore, the first task of the patient is not to endure and visit the doctor in a timely manner. And in order not to worry about the correctness of the diagnosis and the adequacy of the treatment, we recommend that you contact the specialists of the Odrex Medical House. Here they will find an individual approach to each patient and provide medical care at the highest level.

Diagnosis begins with an examination of the patient, a thorough study of his anamnesis and complaints. Additionally, blood and urine tests, ultrasound examination may be prescribed. The main thing is to determine the cause of the violation. It is in its elimination that the treatment of urinary retention lies, which can be medical or surgical, depending on the underlying problem.

Q&A

Do you have single episodes of urinary retention?

In rare cases, intermittent urinary retention is possible due to a violation of its outflow, for example, with prostatic hyperplasia in men. In this case, the lumen of the urethra is narrowed due to the enlarged prostate, and the following factors can provoke urinary retention: hypothermia, interrupted intercourse, alcohol intake, overcontinence of urine.

What are the complications?

Stagnation of urine contributes to the reproduction of microorganisms, therefore, in some cases, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder develops. There is a risk of renal failure, urogenic sepsis. Blood may appear in the urine (hematuria). Another formidable complication is bladder rupture followed by peritonitis. This can happen with acute urinary retention as a result of an injury: even a blow to the stomach on a flat surface when falling is enough.

What can be done to prevent this disorder?

The main preventive measure is the early detection of diseases of the genitourinary system. Therefore, patients should seek medical attention at the first appearance of symptoms. Moreover, according to world recommendations, all men after 45 years of age should undergo an examination by a urologist once a year, which includes a urinalysis and ultrasound from the upper pole of the kidneys to the lower pole of the testicles.