Bladder, irritated

Etiologic and Other Factors of Irritated Bladder:

1. Infections:
   • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bacterial infections are a common cause of bladder irritation.
2. Dietary Factors:
   • Excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, or acidic foods (e.g., citrus and tomatoes).
3. Chronic Conditions:
   • Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome).
   • Overactive bladder syndrome.
4. Lifestyle Factors:
   • Dehydration or infrequent urination leading to concentrated urine.
   • Stress or anxiety, which can contribute to bladder sensitivity.
5. Medications:
   • Some medications (e.g., diuretics or bladder-irritating drugs).
6. Hormonal Changes:
   • Menopause or hormonal fluctuations.
7. Physical Factors:
   • Trauma to the bladder (e.g., from catheter use or pelvic surgeries).

When to Seek Professional Help:

1. Persistent Symptoms:
   • Symptoms lasting more than 2-3 days without improvement.
2. Severe Pain or Discomfort:
   • Significant pelvic or lower abdominal pain.
3. Blood in Urine:
   • Visible hematuria or pink/red discoloration of urine.
4. Recurrent Infections:
   • Frequent UTIs or worsening symptoms.
5. Fever or Chills:
   • Possible signs of kidney infection.
6. Difficulty Urinating:
   • Straining, incomplete emptying, or retention.
7. Unexplained Symptoms:
   • Symptoms that don’t correlate with dietary or lifestyle changes.