While cannabis has been proven to be effective in treating urinary tract issues, a lot of research is still needed to understand its full impact on the kidneys.
A study in 2018 suggests that regular cannabis users have a higher risk of experiencing overactive bladder symptoms. The findings were based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the US.
Increased Urination
Many people use cannabis to treat various conditions, including urinary tract symptoms. It is known that the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and bladder have an impact on this system, allowing it to function properly.
However, some studies have shown that cannabis can affect the urinary system in negative ways. For example, it is known that cannabis can cause the detrusor muscle in the bladder to overactivate and contract uncontrollably, resulting in leakage of urine.
Research has also revealed that the cannabinoid CBG, found in cannabis, is able to reduce the acetylcholine-induced contractions in the bladder. This is especially useful for those who have neurogenic detrusor overactivity, which can lead to incontinence.
Researchers looked at data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which is a continuous, nationwide survey that collects data every 2 years to monitor health and nutrition habits. They analyzed marijuana use and urinary tract symptoms in adults between the ages of 20 and 59 who were surveyed about their drug use and kidney disease.
The results showed that those who used cannabis on a regular basis were more likely to have overactive bladders than those who did not. This is because the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in the bladder’s ability to control the bladder’s impulses to urinate.
Another study, this one from 2013, compared the effects of two different cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabigerol, on the human urinary bladder. They discovered that the cannabinoid CBG, which is found in high amounts in the cannabis plant, was able to lower the acetylcholine-induced bladder contractions by 19%.
This is a good thing, but more studies are needed to find out what exactly CBG does for the bladder. The fact that it is a natural cannabinoid with no toxicity makes it a great candidate to help individuals who suffer from urinary incontinence.
Those who have chronic kidney disease should be especially careful with marijuana usage, as it can increase the risk of worsening their condition. It is not yet known if other routes of administration attenuate this risk, but smoking should be avoided.
Giggle Incontinence
Cannabis has been shown to improve urinary incontinence by directly interacting with the natural cannabinoid receptors within the bladder. This may improve symptoms of nocturia and urge incontinence as well as reducing the frequency of episodes.
Giggle incontinence is a form of urinary incontinence which occurs when the bladder ejects urine while laughing or giggling. It can be a very debilitating condition and affects many children.
There is no clear cause for giggle incontinence however, it is thought to occur as a result of the stretchy muscles in the urethra contracting during laughter. It is often more common in girls than boys and typically starts in the pre-pubertal years.
Several medical experts believe that giggle incontinence is related to the part of the brain which controls the bladder sphincter muscle, but the exact cause is not known. Those who have a neurological condition, such as multiple sclerosis, may be more susceptible to giggle incontinence.
The problem can be avoided with a few simple techniques such as planning ahead and avoiding situations which will likely lead to an episode. Limiting fluids before and during the event will also help to reduce the risk of an episode.
Other techniques such as pelvic floor exercises and biofeedback can also be used to help improve voiding habits and increase awareness of the sphincter muscles. These therapies are very effective and have shown positive results for many patients.
In addition to these methods, it is important to make sure that the patient is correctly emptying their bladder – sit centred on the toilet, with feet flat and back straight. The correct posture can help to reduce the likelihood of leaking during a giggle.
There is no cure for giggle incontinence, but it is possible to reduce the frequency of episodes and make the sufferer feel more confident about their condition. Taking a few minutes to laugh and allow the bladder to empty can be helpful, and it may also help to develop better voiding habits such as relaxed voiding, timed voiding or bowel management. In addition to this, some patients may benefit from biofeedback and Kegel exercises.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are a very common occurrence that affect many people throughout their life. These infections are typically caused by bacteria and can be very painful if left untreated.
The urinary tract is a complex system that helps your body eliminate waste from the body. It includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Each plays a vital role in this process, and if they get infected, the result can be severe and potentially dangerous.
A UTI can cause symptoms that include a burning sensation while urinating, frequent and strong urination, cloudy urine, and bloody or pungent urine. This can be caused by a number of conditions, including bacterial infections or sexually transmitted diseases (STIs).
These infections can also be the result of other health problems and require immediate treatment. They can be diagnosed by a doctor using a variety of tests to determine the source and severity of the infection.
Most UTIs are caused by bacteria called E. coli that live in the bowel and are near the anus (the opening of the urethra). The body’s natural defenses try to keep these bacteria out of the urinary tract, but sometimes this does not work properly.
When this happens, bacteria enter the urethra, move upward through it and then into the bladder. This can lead to a serious condition called cystitis or urethritis.
Women are at higher risk of developing a UTI than men because the urethra is shorter in women, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Other risk factors for UTIs include using catheters, aging, obesity, use of certain medications, and having an enlarged prostate.
Bacteria can also spread from other parts of the body through the bloodstream to the urinary tract. This is why it’s important to always stay on top of your genital hygiene.
A simple urine test can be used to diagnose a urinary tract infection. A negative result means that no bacteria are present, but a positive one indicates that the infection is caused by a specific type of bacteria. Once the infection is diagnosed, antibiotics can be prescribed to treat it.
Kidney Disease
The kidneys play an important role in removing excess water, salt and waste from the body. They are also responsible for regulating the production of hormones, such as renin and aldosterone, that affect blood pressure.
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) lose kidney function over time. CKD can lead to kidney failure, which is when the kidneys can no longer work properly and fluid builds up in the body.
Kidney disease can be slowed or stopped with diet, exercise, medications, and lifestyle changes. However, if the disease progresses too much and it eventually causes permanent damage to the kidneys, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary.
A new study has found that marijuana use doesn’t impact kidney function in healthy young adults. Researchers examined data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, which included repeated assessments of kidney function and marijuana use.
Compared with users who didn’t use cannabis, those who did had lower kidney function at the start of the study, but that didn’t change over time. They also didn’t have an increase in the presence of albumin in their urine, a sign of kidney damage.
These findings suggest that there is no significant risk of kidney dysfunction with marijuana use, even in people with CKD. Nevertheless, individuals with CKD who are considering using marijuana should be aware of the risks and know how to monitor their kidney function.
The endocannabinoid system is made up of specialized neurotransmitters that activate and inhibit various cells in the body, including those in the kidneys. Activation of these receptors can help prevent or treat renal dysfunction in both healthy and diseased kidneys.
Some studies have shown that cannabis can be effective in managing the symptoms of CKD, especially pain and nausea and vomiting. Moreover, cannabis can help patients with kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
There is still a lot of research on the potential effects of cannabis on kidneys and how it can impact the endocannabinoid system, but there’s no doubt that more study is needed to fully understand these impacts.
