I've received a diagnosis of having an overactive bladder. Could you please explain what this entails?
Yousof (by SMS)
An overactive bladder (OAB), often referred to as a hyperreactive bladder, occurs when this muscular sac contracts abruptly without your permission, even when it isn’t fully filled with urine. This disorder is quite prevalent and typically arises spontaneously, with no identifiable trigger behind these involuntary spasms. For instance, such symptoms aren't linked to urinary tract infections or issues like benign prostatic hyperplasia. The prevalence of OAB tends to be higher among females compared to males, hence why it falls under our category dedicated to female health concerns.
Nevertheless, this issue can impact both men and women equally. The condition known as Overactive Bladder (OAB) is also referred to as detrussor instability or overactivity (the term "detrusor" refers to the medical name for the bladder muscle) or an irritated bladder.
Is this indicative of a stroke? My uncle has developed a bed sore; could these be signs of cancer?
The symptoms of Overactive Bladder (OAB) syndrome include:
- **Urgency:** This refers to an abrupt strong urge to urinate, making it difficult to delay using the restroom.
- **Frequency:** This involves needing to use the bathroom much more frequently than usual—typically over eight times daily. Often, this number can be significantly higher.
- **Nocturia:** This indicates having to wake up during nighttime hours to visit the restroom more than once.
- **Urge incontinence:** Some individuals with OAB experience this condition where they cannot control their bladder when feeling the urge to urinate.
This involves unintentional leakage of urine, often in significant quantities, just before reaching the bathroom due to an urgent sensation. The exact causes of Overactive Bladder (OAB) syndrome remain unclear; however, the detrusor muscle in your bladder appears to contract involuntarily at inappropriate times.
Normally, the bladder muscle is relaxed as the bladder gradually fills up. As the bladder is gradually stretched, we get a feeling of wanting to pass urine when the bladder is about half full. Most people can hold on quite easily for some time after this initial feeling until a convenient time to go to the toilet.
In individuals with overactive bladder (OAB), the bladder muscle appears to send incorrect signals to the brain. This can make the bladder seem fuller than it truly is. Additionally, symptoms might be exacerbated by consuming caffeine found in beverages like tea, coffee, and cola, as well as by drinking alcohol.
In some cases, symptoms of an OAB develop as a complication of a nerve- or brain-related disease such as: Following a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, After a spinal cord injury. Also, similar symptoms may occur if you have a urine infection or a stone in your bladder.
Various general lifestyle adjustments like promptly reaching the restroom and refraining from consuming coffee, tea, alcohol, and an excess of water might prove beneficial. The primary form of therapy involves bladder training, which has been effective for approximately half of those affected. Depending on the situation, medication could be recommended either alongside or instead of bladder training. In certain instances, pelvic floor exercises may also be suggested.
READ MORE: 9 Signs You Are Consuming Excessive Salt
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