Overactive bladder syndrome
| Overactive bladder | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Overactive bladder syndrome |
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| Specialty | urology |
| Symptoms | Frequent feeling of needing to urinate, incontinence |
| Usual onset | More common with age |
| Duration | Often years |
| Causes | Unknown |
| Risk factors | Obesity, caffeine, constipation |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms after ruling out other possible causes |
| Similar conditions | Urinary tract infections, neurological conditions |
| Treatment | Pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, drinking moderate fluids, weight loss |
| Prognosis | Not life-threatening |
| Frequency | ~15% men, 25% women |
| Classification |
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| External resources |
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition where there is a frequent feeling of needing to urinate to a degree that it negatively affects a person's life. The frequent need to urinate may occur during the day, at night, or both. If there is loss of bladder control then it is known as urge incontinence. More than 40% of people with overactive bladder have incontinence. About 40% to 70% of urinary incontinence is due to overactive bladder, It is not life-threatening. Most people with the condition have problems for years.
The cause of overactive bladder is unknown. Risk factors include obesity, caffeine, and constipation. Poorly controlled diabetes, poor functional mobility, and chronic pelvic pain may worsen the symptoms. People often have the symptoms for a long time before seeking treatment and the condition is sometimes identified by caregivers. Diagnosis is based on a person's signs and symptoms and requires other problems such as urinary tract infections or neurological conditions to be excluded. The amount of urine passed during each urination is relatively small. Pain while urinating suggests that there is a problem other than overactive bladder.
Specific treatment is not always required. If treatment is desired pelvic floor exercises, bladder training, and other behavioral methods are initially recommended.Weight loss in those who are overweight, decreasing caffeine consumption, and drinking moderate fluids, can also have benefits. Medications, typically of the anti-muscarinic type, are only recommended if other measures are not effective. They are no more effective than behavioral methods; however, they are associated with side effects, particularly in older people. Some non-invasive electrical stimulation methods appear effective while they are in use. Injections of botulinum toxin into the bladder is another option.Urinary catheters or surgery are generally not recommended. A diary to track problems can help determine whether treatments are working.
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Wikipedia