Overactive bladder – Causes, symptoms, and management

Overactive bladder – Causes, symptoms, and management

Overactive bladder, or OAB, is a group of symptoms that affect bladder control. It is known to be one of the most common urologic conditions. Yet, a lot of people are reluctant to seek treatment. This usually happens when a person feels embarrassed to discuss the symptoms with a doctor. However, it is crucial to treat OAB on time to prevent further complications. Here are some common causes, symptoms, and management options for OAB.

Causes of OAB
An overactive bladder is often caused by certain pre-existing conditions and injuries to the detrusor muscle. These are a group of smooth muscle fibers that line the wall of the bladder. Some of the conditions that cause OAB include the following.

Injury or trauma to the abdominal muscles
In certain situations, such as pregnancy and childbirth, the pelvic muscles are stretched and become weak. This causes the bladder to sag, triggering OAB symptoms.
Nerve damage
The damage or injury to nerves can occur due to pelvic or back surgery, radiation therapy, herniated discs, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or a stroke. This causes nerve function to malfunction, with inaccurate signals sent to the brain and bladder, resulting in involuntary pee.
Infection
Often, infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) can lead to irritation and inflammation of the bladder nerves, triggering OAB.
Hormonal changes
Menopause typically causes an estrogen deficiency, which impacts the bladder adversely and causes incontinence.

Symptoms of OAB
An overactive bladder can cause several symptoms. Some of the commonly observed signs of OAB include the following.

Urinary urgency
This is a sudden and uncontrollable need to pee. Once urinary urgency sets in, one needs to go to the bathroom immediately to prevent any accidents.
Frequent peeing
With OAB, one might have to go to the bathroom to pee more frequently than they usually do.
Incontinence
This symptom often occurs along with urinary urgency. One experiences unintentional and involuntary loss of urine instantly as the urgent need to pee sets in. Sometimes, a person may also leak urine before they can get to the bathroom.
Nocturia
This condition is triggered by OAB and causes a person to get up to pee several times at night.

Management options for OAB
Managing the symptoms of OAB involves several therapies and treatment options. Some of the common techniques people adopt to keep OAB symptoms under check include the following.

Therapy for bladder retraining
Maintaining regularity with bowel movements
Monitoring meals by avoiding foods that trigger OAB symptoms
Nerve stimulation procedure administered by a healthcare expert
Prescriptions recommended by primary care doctor

  • Top 5 healthy foods for dogs

    Top Articles

    Top 5 healthy foods for dogs

    There are plenty of options when it comes to dog food. However, finding the right meal for your dog is not easy, as what works for one may not work for another. Plus a lot of dog food brands claim to be nutritious for your pooch but contain fillers and other harmful preservatives. Therefore, to ensure your dog gets only the best, we have put together a list of the top five dog food: 1. Orijen Original Dry Dog Food Orijen sources its ingredients from trusted farmers to create safe and healthy

    Read More
  • Popular smartphones worth buying in 2021

    Top Articles

    Popular smartphones worth buying in 2021

    A smartphone may last from a few days to a couple of years, but that's it. A phone's volatile lifespan depends on factors like how well it keeps up with updates, or sometimes, even how quickly or often we drop it on the floor. Also, it's an electronic device, so we will need a new one sooner or later. So, here are some of the best smartphone deals to check out if you're planning to change your phone in 2021. Apple iPhone 12 The Apple iPhone 12 is one of the best smartphones out there. It is

    Read More
  • 5 Types of Tactical Boots

    Top Articles

    5 Types of Tactical Boots

    Tactical boots are heavy-duty shoes specially designed to be used in rugged and extreme terrain. A good pair of tactical boots keeps your feet safe from harsh weather while also ensuring comfort. So, whether you are military personnel, a safety worker, or simply someone who loves venturing outback, here are some of the best tactical boots of 2021 to protect your feet. Bates Men's Ultra-Lites Side-Zip Tactical Boots Bates is one of the top brands in the segment, and their Men's Ultra-Lites Si

    Read More