Reduced bladder capacity and elasticity: causes, effects and treatment

Reduced bladder capacity and elasticity: causes, effects and treatment

With age, many physiological functions of the body change, including the bladder. Reduced bladder capacity and elasticity are common age-related changes that can contribute to the development of urinary incontinence. This section describes the causes, effects, and possible treatments for these changes.

Causes of reduced bladder capacity and elasticity

1. Aging process: As we age, the bladder wall loses its elasticity and becomes stiffer. This impairs the bladder's ability to expand and hold larger volumes of urine.
2. Tissue atrophy: Age-related loss of tissue, particularly elastic fibers and smooth muscle cells, leads to reduced bladder elasticity.
3. Hormonal changes: Especially in postmenopausal women, the drop in estrogen levels contributes to the weakening of the bladder wall.
4. Chronic cystitis: Repeated urinary tract infections and chronic inflammation can cause scar tissue, which further reduces the elasticity of the bladder wall.
5. Neurological changes: Age-related changes in the nervous system can impair signals between the brain and the bladder, disrupting the coordination of bladder emptying.
6. Medications: Certain medications commonly taken by older people can affect bladder capacity and elasticity.

Effects of reduced bladder capacity and elasticity

1. Frequent urination: Reduced bladder capacity means the bladder needs to be emptied more frequently, which increases the urge to urinate.
2. Urge incontinence: The inability to suppress the urge to urinate before reaching the toilet can lead to uncontrolled urine loss.
3. Nighttime urination (nocturia): Frequent nighttime urination can impair sleep quality and lead to fatigue and reduced quality of life.
4. Complications from residual urine: If the bladder is not emptied completely, this can lead to the formation of residual urine, which increases the risk of urinary tract infections and bladder stones.

Treatment options

1. Bladder training:

   • Description: Patients are trained to control their bladder and suppress the urge to urinate in order to gradually increase the time between toilet visits.
   • Benefits: Can increase bladder capacity and reduce incontinence symptoms.

2. Pelvic floor training:

   • Description: Targeted exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can improve bladder support.
   • Benefits: Reduces pressure on the bladder and improves control over urination.

3. Drug treatment:

   • Anticholinergics: These medications relax the bladder muscles and increase bladder capacity.
   • Beta-3 adrenoceptor agonists: These medications help relax the bladder and increase its capacity.
   • Topical estrogens: In postmenopausal women, topical estrogen preparations can improve bladder lining health.

4. Surgical procedures:

   • Bladder augmentation: In severe cases, surgical enlargement of the bladder may be performed to increase its capacity.
   • Sling surgery: If stress incontinence is present at the same time, a sling surgery can be performed to support the urethra.

5. Lifestyle changes:

   • Fluid management: Drink enough, but not excessively, to avoid overloading the bladder and to regulate urination.
   • Dietary adjustments: Avoid bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods that can irritate the bladder.
   • Weight control: A healthy body weight reduces pressure on the bladder and can relieve incontinence symptoms.

Preventive measures

1. Regular exercise: Regular physical activity contributes to overall health and strengthens the pelvic floor muscles.
2. Healthy diet: A diet rich in fiber helps prevent constipation, which can increase pressure on the bladder.
3. Avoid urinary tract infections: Good hygiene practices and adequate fluid intake help prevent urinary tract infections that can damage the bladder.

conclusion

Reduced bladder capacity and elasticity are common age-related changes that can lead to urinary incontinence. Targeted interventions such as bladder training, pelvic floor exercises, medication, and lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to maintaining bladder function and preventing complications.