Bladder

Bladder issues which can be co-morbid with cystic fibrosis (CF) include cystitis, urinary incontinence, overactive bladder and interstitial cystitis.

Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder caused by infection. Interstitial cystitis is a chronic form of cystitis often associated with bladder pain and the frequent need to urinate.

Overactive bladder is a condition in which the bladder acts to empty itself by squeezing urine out at the wrong time. It is not the same as urinary incontinence, which involves a general loss of bladder control.

These conditions can be co-present with cystic fibrosis and exacerbate the affects of CF on the bladder, resulting in co-morbidities.

At the same time we should acknowledge individuals who experience bladder discomfort or malfunction from any medical condition are going to be subject to a common set of social stigma around incontinence and the control of bodily functions.

This is an area in which people can often struggle with acknowledging their symptoms or needs because of social prejudice.

Additional Resources

Bladder complications and CF:

Knowledge – Effects of CF

Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in CF – Science Direct

Prevalence of Pelvic Incontinence in Patients with CF – National Library of Medicine

A systemic review of the prevalence and impact of urinary incontinence in CF – Wiley Online Library

Continence & CF – CF WA Fact Sheet