Recent discoveries regarding the underlying causes of the painful and inconvenient symptoms associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) may lead to improved treatment options.
UTIs rank among the most commonly occurring bacterial infections worldwide, with over 400 million cases diagnosed annually. Approximately one-third of women will experience at least one UTI before they turn 24 years old. Additionally, many older adults and individuals with bladder complications due to spinal cord injuries may suffer from multiple UTIs throughout the year.
A study conducted by Dr. Luke Grundy from Flinders University and Dr. Steven Taylor from SAHMRI has uncovered that UTIs can make the nerves in the bladder hypersensitive, which results in intense urges to urinate, pelvic discomfort, and a burning sensation during urination.
“Our research indicates that UTIs, particularly those caused by bacteria like E. coli, can greatly affect the functioning and sensitivity of the nerves that typically signal when the bladder is full. This condition is referred to as ‘bladder afferent hypersensitivity,'” explains Dr. Grundy from the College of Medicine and Public Health.
“This study marks the first instance of examining how UTIs influence the sensory messages sent from the bladder to the brain and the direct correlation of this response to bladder pain and dysfunction.”
A healthy bladder can expand to hold urine, accommodating up to two cups of urine for several hours. When full, the bladder’s nervous system indicates that it is time to empty.
As documented in the journal Brain, Behavior, & Immunity — Health, researchers investigated how UTIs lead to a heightened sensitivity in the sensory nerves that react to bladder stretching, causing them to signal fullness even when the bladder isn’t completely full.
“Our research demonstrates that UTIs heighten the sensitivity of the bladder’s nerves, which means that even when the bladder is partially filled, it may provoke uncomfortable sensations that signal a need to urinate,” he states.
“We believe these heightened sensory reactions might act as a protective measure, alerting the body to the infection and encouraging more frequent urination to eliminate the bacteria.”
This new study builds upon prior research, offering a deeper comprehension of how UTIs impact bladder functions and the nervous system, raising critical questions about the role of hypersensitivity in UTI-related symptoms.
“Our findings enhance the understanding of the significant changes that occur during UTIs and provide greater insight into the mechanisms that lead to the painful and disruptive sensations commonly linked with these infections,” remarks Dr. Grundy.
The study further implies that a better grasp of bladder afferent hypersensitivity could open up new treatment avenues for patients experiencing recurrent UTIs or other bladder issues where sensory dysfunction is a factor.
“In theory, we should be capable of finding methods to address the hypersensitivity of the bladder nerves, thus alleviating or completely removing the painful and debilitating symptoms associated with a UTI,” he adds. This advancement would enhance patients’ quality of life while antibiotics address the underlying infection.
Researchers are actively working to expand treatment options for bladder pain by investigating how these findings can be applied in clinical practice to improve UTI management for patients.
