Bladder Diseases: Assessment and Therapeutics

Human body contains a hollow organ in the lower abdomen known as the bladder. The function of the bladder is to store urine. Bladder diseases are a group of medical conditions or diseases that affect the bladder. There are several forms of bladder diseases including cystitis, bladder cancer, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence (UI) and interstitial cystitis. UI are problems associated with the loss of bladder control. Some symptoms of UI include an inability to control urine, strong urge to urinate, bed-wetting, and leaking urine during routine activities such as lifting, bending, coughing or exercising. Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition in which a person experiences painful urinary symptoms, such as pressure, discomfort and tenderness or pain in the areas of bladder, pelvis and lower abdomen. The diagnosis of bladder diseases is completed with the help of urine tests and X-rays. Doctors also examine the bladder wall and urethra with an instrument known as cystoscope. Usually, the treatment of bladder diseases involves the use of medications. However, some severe cases are treated with the help of surgery. This book provides a detailed explanation of the assessment methods and therapeutics for bladder diseases. It will also provide interesting topics for research, which the interested readers can take up. The book will serve as a valuable source of reference for students studying these diseases.