Bladder Disorders Dictionary

anesthesia: Substance that blocks pain during surgery or other medical procedures. General anesthesia renders the patient unconscious. Local anesthesia blocks pain in a specific area of the body, and the patient remains conscious.

antibiotic: Any of a wide range of medication designed to combat bacterial infections.

atonic: Describing a lack of muscle tone.

bacteria: Single-celled organisms that cause disease.

biofeedback: A therapy that trains people to consciously control body activity which is normally performed without conscious thought.

biopsy: A sample of tissue removed from an organ for microscopic examination.

bladder: A sac in the body. The urinary bladder holds urine until the liquid is removed by urination.

bladder stone: Crystallized minerals that can accumulate in the urinary bladder.

botulinum toxin: A neurotoxin that can prevent muscle spasms. Sometimes used to treat overactive bladders.

catheter: A thin tube inserted into the body to inject or remove fluids. A urinary catheter drains the bladder.

chlamydia: A sexually transmitted bacteria. A burning sensation while urinating is a common Chlamydia symptom.

collagen: A fibrous protein that plays an important role in connective tissue and bone structure.

cystitis: Inflammation of the urinary bladder.

cystoscopic: Describing medical procedures where an small rigid tube, is used to examine or treat the urethra and bladder.

diuretic: Used to describe anything that promotes urination.

erythropoietin: A hormone, produced by the kidneys, that triggers red blood cell development.

estrogen: A female sex hormone responsible for the development of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.