People with increased daytime and nighttime urinary frequency who have never sought treatment are eligible to participate in a University of Iowa research study on interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome.
Karl Kreder, MD, FACS, director of Urodynamics and Reconstructive Urology, has these comments:
What are the most common problems people have with their bladders?
I think the single most common problem is urinary tract infection, or bladder infection, and then some of the conditions that may mimic infection such as interstitial cystitis.
Are most of those problems easily treated?
Any of the problems associated with the bladder are more easily treated if they're caught early. So if patients have symptoms, they shouldn't delay seeking medical advice.
How does one keep the bladder healthy and avoid those problems?
The number one thing to avoid is smoking. If you don't smoke, don't start and if you do, quit. Smoking is one of the leading causes of bladder cancer. Avoid becoming dehydrated and do not to delay voiding, or excessively delay voiding on a regular basis.
Why is it important to maintain good bladder health?
You only get one bladder and it has to last a lifetime, and I think that the old adage of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is certainly true in the case of the bladder.
What about bladder cancer - how common is it?
It's not common if you're not a smoker and you haven't been exposed to chemicals. But it's much, much more likely if you're a smoker, particularly a heavy smoker, so if you don't work in a chemical plant and you've never smoked, you're unlikely to get bladder cancer.
What are the symptoms?
Blood in the urine, you can actually see it with the naked eye or on a microscopic analysis. Other symptoms include urinary frequency, feeling like you have to go very quickly, or you have to go frequently.
What are the prospects if someone is diagnosed with bladder cancer?
They're certainly better the earlier the bladder cancer is diagnosed. It's much easier to treat bladder cancer when it's superficial, as bladder cancer continues to grow, it grows into the wall of the bladder and then it becomes more difficult to treat - not that it can't be treated -- but it becomes more difficult.
If someone is interested in the study on interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome, is there a way they can get some more information about that?
Yes, they can call 319-356-4649. |
