Differentiate between chronic urine retention and acute urine retention ?

Chronic urine retention is a long-term condition where the bladder does not completely empty during urination, leading to a buildup of urine in the bladder over time. This can be caused by conditions such as an enlarged prostate, nerve damage, or pelvic organ prolapse.

Acute urine retention, on the other hand, is a sudden and severe inability to urinate. This can be caused by a blockage in the urinary tract, such as a kidney stone or blood clot, or by nerve damage. Acute urine retention is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent complications such as kidney damage or bladder rupture.

Chronic Urine Retention

- Development: Occurs gradually over a period of weeks or months
- Cause: Obstruction of the urinary tract, such as:
- Prostate enlargement
- Bladder neck contracture
- Urethral stricture
- Symptoms:
- Difficulty urinating (straining, hesitancy)
- Decreased urine stream
- Increased frequency or urgency
- Nocturia
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Complications:
- Bladder distension and discomfort
- Upper urinary tract damage
- Infection
- Treatment:
- Depends on the underlying cause
- May include medication, surgery, or catheterization

Acute Urine Retention

- Development: Occurs suddenly, within hours or days
- Cause: Sudden obstruction of the urinary tract, such as:
- Kidney stones
- Blood clots
- Foreign bodies
- Symptoms:
- Inability to urinate
- Severe pain in the lower abdomen and back
- Restlessness and agitation
- Vomiting
- Complications:
- Bladder rupture
- Sepsis
- Treatment:
- Emergency catheterization to relieve obstruction
- Identifying and treating the underlying cause