Bladder Capacity
The capacity of liquid that can be held in a person’s bladder.
Bladder capacity in a normal adult is approximately 400 – 600 cc (or approximately 13.5 – 20 oz), though the urge to urinate typically begins between 250 and 350 cc. This urge, in a normally functioning bladder, begins when the pressures inside the bladder trigger stretch receptors located in the bladder wall, which send a message to the brain.
Among elderly it is not uncommon to find lower bladder capacities, whether due to urinary problems, disease, dehydration, or other causes. This can result in more frequent urination.
Voiding habits can range from two to six times a day for a normal person to six to eight times a day in an older person. Those over 65 years old typically must wake to urinate at least one time at night. Persons with difficulty getting out of bed can find it difficult to reach the bathroom in time and resort to pads or adult diapers.
|
