Regain your confidence - Manage your overactive bladder

Introduction:

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition related to the urinary system. It commonly affects individuals above the age of 40, both males and females. It is the most prevalent yet serious condition that can lead to frequent urges to urinate and sometimes unintentional urine leakage. OAB can result from various factors, including infections, hormonal changes, certain neurological conditions, and medications. Sometimes, it may indicate an underlying issue requiring proper or targeted treatment.

Understanding OAB:

Overactive bladder (OAB) is characterised by a range of symptoms that lead to a sudden or uncontrollable urge to urinate, which can progress to urinary incontinence. This condition is particularly seen in older adults and women, but it is more common in women. Increased sensitivity of bladder mucosa leads to urgency and incontinence. While OAB is not typically a serious health risk, it can be bothersome and lead to stress and discomfort over time.

OAB is not self-curable; it requires an evaluation to determine underlying causes. Lifestyle changes can help, but the condition may worsen if left untreated.

Symptoms of OAB:

OAB may present a variety of symptoms, including:

• Urinary urgency: A sudden, strong urge to urinate that can make reaching the restroom in time difficult.
• Incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine, often accompanying frequent urination urges.
• Nocturia: The need to urinate at least twice during the night, which can disturb sleep.

Causes of OAB:

Several factors may contribute to the development of OAB:

• Urinary tract infections: The most common cause, leading to nerve irritation in the bladder and resulting in dysfunction.
• Childbirth: Vaginal deliveries can weaken pelvic floor muscles, which support the lower abdominal organs, increasing the risk of stress urinary incontinence.
• Obesity: Carrying excess weight, particularly around the waist, can put pressure on the bladder and lead to urinary incontinence.
• Nerve damage: This can occur after certain surgeries (e.g., pelvic or spine surgery) or due to conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or stroke.
• Hormonal changes: Fluctuations during menopause can also lead to OAB.
• Diseases or disorders like an enlarged prostate or diabetes.
• Cognitive decline following a stroke or due to alzheimer’s disease.
• Aging

Diagnosis:

To diagnose OAB, healthcare providers may recommend various tests, such as:

• Urinalysis
• Ultrasound
• Urodynamic or uroflowmetry testing
• Cystoscopy

Treatment for OAB:

There are several approaches to treating overactive bladder, including:

• Lifestyle changes ( weight management)
• Behavioural therapy (pelvic floor muscle exercises)
• Medications
• Surgery

Prevention:

To help prevent OAB, consider the following strategies:

• Engage in regular exercise
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Manage chronic health conditions, such as diabetes
• Avoid smoking

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In a nutshell:

Overactive bladder is a common condition affecting both men and women, particularly in older age groups. However, it is essential to address it properly. KD Hospital has a dedicated team specialising in urology and offers state-of-the-art facilities to assist with treatment.