Does Bladder Cancer Cause Bloating

Determining The Stage And Extent Of Your Cancer

Once your physician confirms you have cancer of the bladder, they might recommend additional testing to determine if the cancer has spread to other areas of your body, like your lymph nodes.

Testing might include:

• Chest X-ray
• Bone scan

The doctor will use the information from this testing to determine the stage of your cancer. The bladder cancer stages are indicated by a 0 to IV range of Roman numerals. The lowest cancer stages indicate it’s confined to your bladder’s inner layers and hasn’t begun affecting your muscular bladder wall. Stage IV, the highest stage, indicates the cancer has begun spreading to distant organs and lymph nodes of your body.

The cancer stages system is continually evolving and becoming more complex with the improvement of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The stage of cancer you have will also determine which treatment will serve you best.

For more information on bladder cancer stages, please refer to the American Cancer Society website.

Early Signs Of Bladder Cancer In Women

Knowing the signs and symptoms can help you get diagnosed sooner, which may improve your prognosis. Here are five warning signs to watch for:

Can Stomach Bloating Be A Sign Of Kidney Failure

My husband was diagnosed in October with stage 3 chronic kidney disease and has not yet been seen by kidney doctor I was not aware of his chronic kidney disease because his doctor never discussed it with me he went to his doctor on March the 20th and I didnt realize he had chronic kidney disease until around March the 27th when I called about his blood work and thats when they told me he was diagnosed in October we went on April the 20th 2018 for blood work at the kidney doctor he has an appointment on May 3rd for the results of his blood work but he keeps talking about hurting it in his stomach both sides underneath his rib cage he had a colonoscopy done

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Treatment Of Kidney Infection

Most kidney infections need prompt treatment with antibiotics to stop the infection damaging the kidneys or spreading to the bloodstream.

You may also need painkillers.

If youre especially vulnerable to the effects of an infection , you may be admitted to hospital and treated with antibiotics through a drip.

Most people who are diagnosed and treated promptly with antibiotics feel completely better after about 2 weeks.

People who are older or have underlying conditions may take longer to recover.

Bloating That Doesnt Go Away

For bloating to be potentially worrisome, it generally needs to have lasted for more than two weeks in a month, says Monique Swain, MD, an obstetrician and gynecologist at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.

If bloating doesnt go away after making simple diet swaps or going to the bathroom, speak up. If bloating is persistent and does not vary with changing eating habits or bowel movements, it is a good idea to seek medical care, adds Alex Hewlett, DO, associate professor of medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

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Why Constipation Causes Uti

Chronic constipation can cause bladder infection in many ways. As you can see in the image below, the rectum and urinary bladder are located in the pelvis.

When you are constipated, the hard stools accumulate in the rectum. The fecal loading causes distension of the rectum.

Because the rectum and bladder are closely situated, rectal distension can compress the bladder neck.

The pressure over the bladder neck causes incomplete emptying of the bladder. That means after passing urine, a significant volume of urine remains in the bladder.

The accumulation of urine facilitates the growth of bacteria such as E.coli that cause infection.

People with long term constipation often suffer from painful anal conditions such as anal fissure and thrombosed hemorrhoids. Pain around the anus interferes with urination. This is another reason that you get UTI while constipated. It can be clearly seen in toddlers who are suffering from anal fissure due to chronic constipation.

Urinary tract infections are common when you are pregnant. One of the main reasons for that is pregnancy-related constipation.

How Is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will usually start by asking about your symptoms and taking a careful medical history. Your provider may ask you the following questions:

• Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Reviewed on 10/9/2020

Fullness, constipation and a frequent urge to urinate can occur with various conditions. It is possible that constipation is present along with a urinary tract infection. Less commonly, these symptoms can be related to more serious chronic conditions . Depression and other emotional conditions often produce symptoms that mimic those of physical problems. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing worrisome symptoms.

While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:

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Whats The Best Treatment For A Bloated Stomach

Your treatment will depend on whats causing your bloating. There are lots of things you can try at home to get rid of trapped wind including changing your diet to limit foods that cause bloating and exercising more regularly. Read more about how to get rid of trapped wind and natural ways to beat bloating.

IBS and constipation can also also be treated at home, as long as you or a doctor are sure theres nothing else that could be causing your symptoms. For example, IBS usually gets better if you manage your stress levels and get more exercise. You can also keep a food and symptoms diary to try and work out what is triggering your IBS and then exclude those foods or drinks. This is helpful with food intolerances too.

If you have indigestion, diet changes also work well, as well as stopping smoking, not eating too close to bedtime and losing weight. Read more about ways to get rid of indigestion.

But if youre finding that even with these changes, your bloated stomach isnt getting better, you may need treatment advice from a pharmacist or a doctor. This could include medications to reduce the acid in your stomach known as antacid medicines or laxatives to help with constipation.

For more serious causes like ascites or cancers, youll likely need treatment in hospital. This may involve surgery or medication like chemotherapy.

Read more about how to get rid of bloating.

How Is The Infection Spread

It is difficult to spread a UTI between individuals, as the type of bacteria causing the infection is almost never contagious.

The most common way that a UTI is contracted is through the movement of bacteria from the anus to the urethra, either when wiping after going to the toilet or during sexual intercourse. Taking care during each of these activities can help to prevent the transfer of bacteria, which may then have the opportunity to overgrow.

Vigorous sexual intercourse may also lead to symptoms of UTI or cystitis in women , although there may be no bacteria present.

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Germ Cell/stromal Cell Tumors

Germ cell tumors and sex cord stromal tumors, the types of ovarian cancers often found in younger women, may have the symptoms described above but may have additional symptoms as well.

Masculinization

Tumors that produce male-type hormones may result in masculinization, with signs such as a lowering of the voice and male pattern hair growth. These symptoms are often found in the subtype of stromal ovarian tumors called Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors.

Vaginal Discharge or Bleeding

Vaginal discharge and/or bleeding similar to a period may also occur. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is a common symptom of stromal cell tumors and is associated with estrogen secreted by these tumors.

Symptoms of bleeding before menarche , after menopause, or mid-cycle in women of reproductive age should be brought to a healthcare provider’s attention as there are many potential causes.

Precocious Puberty

Early puberty may also occur due to estrogen-secreting tumors and is most often seen with germ cell and stromal cell tumors. Symptoms may include early breast development, development of pubic hair, or early menses in girls.

Severe Pelvic Pain

Mild pelvic pain and pressure are common early symptoms of ovarian cancer, but a pain that is severe could herald an ovarian tumor in a different way.

Ovarian tumors, especially germ cell and stromal cell tumors, can cause the ovary to twist around the fallopian tube .

Pelvic Mass

Ovarian tumors and cysts can become quite large before they cause symptoms.

Advanced Symptoms Of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is considered advanced when the tumor has grown and penetrated the bladder lining and surrounding layers of tissue and muscle. At this stage, the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body . Symptoms of advanced bladder cancer include the following:

• Urination problems: Inability to urinate
• Pain in the lower back: Another indication the tumor has spread is pain, particularly in the area above your pubic bone or the flank area. Pain in your perineum might also occur if your bladder cancer has reached tissues nearby. Pain may only be on one side.
• Weight loss or loss of appetite: You lose weight without trying, or you’ve lost your appetite and aren’t as hungry as usual.
• Feeling weak or fatigued: You may feel lethargic and extremely tired a lot of the time.
• Bone pain: If your cancer has spread to the bone, it can cause bone pain or a bone fracture.
• Swollen feet: Bladder cancer that has spread to your lymph nodes, for instance, could cause your feet to swell.

If the bladder cancer has spread to another part of your body, you could develop symptoms specific to that particular area. For example:

Once again, these symptoms could be due to something other than bladder cancer, so be sure to have your doctor check them out.

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When To See A Doctor

Because of its vague symptoms, ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect in the early stages. However, you should see a doctor for proper ovarian cancer treatment if:

• Symptoms last for more than two weeks
• The symptoms become more severe
• The symptoms are not caused by another medical condition
• Home remedies and over-the-counter medications do not relieve the symptoms

If you think you have ovarian cancer, you should consult an experienced physician. Care New England is a network of hospitals across Rhode Island. Our highly trained physicians use advanced diagnostics and the latest technology to provide you with the personalized care you need. Contact us today to learn more.

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Change In Bladder Function

Typically, when women experience urinary problems, such as pain when urinating or urgency, they frequently think its a urinary tract infection. Often, it is.

But bladder-related issues can also signal a gynecologic or reproductive problem, like ovarian cancer.

Specific urinary symptoms associated with ovarian cancer include the following:

• Feeling pressure or pain in the bladder
• Frequent urination
• Sudden, urgent need to urinate

If these urinary symptoms are new to you and last more than several days, thats a problem, says Ahmed. Talk to your OB/GYN or primary care physician and let them know you are concerned about both bladder problems and issues with your reproductive system.

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Back Pain And Bladder Cancer

Pain in the lower back and/or abdomen can sometimes be caused by bladder cancer, and it is more common in patients who are diagnosed with bladder cancer that is advanced or metastatic. The symptom is not usually experienced by patients who are diagnosed with bladder cancer that is considered early stage. The most common symptom of bladder cancer is blood in the urine that is visible to the eye, which is experienced by around 80% to 90% of patients diagnosed. Between 20% and 30% of patients diagnosed with bladder cancer experience other problems or changes related to urination, such as

• The need to urinate more frequently than usual
• Pain or burning before, during or after urination
• Feeling the urgent need to urinate despite the bladder not being full
• Being unable to urinate

If you experience lower back or abdominal pain as well as any of those symptoms related to urinationand especially if you have ever noticed blood in your urine then you should let your healthcare provider know. If the symptoms are being caused by bladder cancer, then finding it out as soon as possible is important so you can begin treatment.

Are You Fat Or Just Bloated Difference Between Weight Gain And Bloating

Typically, belly fat is considered the first sign of weight gain. However, a swollen abdomen or belly can often result from bloating and not necessarily fat deposition. Here are a few differences between them to identify whether you are fat or bloated.

In some cases, stomach bloating can also be due to the consumption of excess salt, leading to water retention. You may even notice bloating right before your periods as the body retains water or due to constipation. How do you know if the weight gain is due to water retention? Lets find out.

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Can Bladder Cancer Cause Decreased Appetite And Weight Loss

The symptoms of decreased appetite and weight loss are more common among patients who are diagnosed with advanced or metastatic bladder cancer than it is in patients with bladder cancer diagnosed at an early stage.

If you experience the symptoms of decreased appetite and weight loss, talk with your healthcare provider so you can work together to diagnose and treat the cause. This is particularly important if you have seen blood in your urine or if you have experienced other problems or changes related to urination that can be caused by bladder cancer, such as:

• Urinating more frequently than usual
• Feeling pain or burning before, during, or after urination
• Needing to urinate urgently even though your bladder is not full
• Being unable to urinate even when your bladder is full

Drink Plenty Of Water

Use the following calculation to figure out how much you need to drink every day.

1/2 body weight converted into ounces

For example: 100/2 = 50 ounces

During pregnancy this will increase, plus every day will be slightly different based on your activity level and the weather. So start with your base and change from there. Keep in mind that too much fiber without enough water can constipate you as well, so be sure to increase your water intake if you are adding fiber into your diet.

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Which Symptoms Are Typically Associated With Ovarian Cancer

Bloating And Cancer Treatment

Its one thing to feel overly full after a large celebratory meal, but unfortunately, for many patients in cancer treatment, bloating doesnt just come with a holiday, but instead is an unpleasant side effect of cancer therapy. Uncomfortable fullness after meals, or bloating, may be caused by a variety of reasons including decreased exercise due to fatigue, taking in too much air while eating or eating gas-producing foods.

Bloating also can be caused when the movement of food through the digestive tract slows as a result of cancer treatments, including gastric surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or other medications. The bloating associated with chemotherapy is often referred to as chemo belly. Whatever the cause, the discomfort is universally unwelcome. The good news is that this is a temporary condition which will improve. In the meantime, try the following strategies to help yourself feel better:

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What Does Bloating Mean

Bloating is that too-full feeling after youve had a big meal, when your stomach feels stretched, swollen and tight. Weve all had a bloated stomach at some point in our lives, but some of us get it more often than others do.

Bloating usually happens when your tummy is filled with gas or air. It may look bigger than it usually does, or it may look exactly the same but feel bigger. It can feel hard to the touch, and sometimes, it may be very sore.

If youre bloated, you may also have other symptoms like tummy pain, farting , burping and tummy rumbling or gurgling.

The most common causes of a bloated tummy include problems with your digestive system like trapped wind, food intolerances and irritable bowel syndrome . But sometimes, bloating may mean you have fibroids in your womb or a build-up of fluid in your tummy .

You can usually treat a bloated tummy at home with self-care, but if youre feeling bloated all the time, you have severe bloating or very painful bloating, its time to see a doctor.