Page 1 - Overactive Bladder
P. 1
Urological Health
Overactive bladder
An overactive bladder is a common condition of frequent and urgent urination in men,
women
he bladder normally stores urine without discomfort In most cases, the cause of overactive bladder
Tor pressure until emptying is appropriate. This is symptoms is unknown. In some patients this problem
controlled by nerves with input from the brain and can be associated with certain conditions including
spinal cord. Most adults void 6-10 times a day and urinary tract infections, prostate enlargement and
often up to twice a night. Toilet trained children void others. Diseases of the brain and spinal cord can
4-8 times a day. This will depend on the amount you cause overactive bladder symptoms. Your urologist
drink. will clarify your symptoms by asking questions and
performing some investigations. Different bladder
problems require different treatments.
Normal bladder anatomy
Investigation of overactive bladder
Roula Drossis
The investigation of overactive bladder symptoms
begins with a thorough questioning regarding your
voiding pattern, including the timing, frequency and
discomfort associated with your voiding or urinary
leakage. A voiding diary, recording times and
amounts, may be helpful.
bladder uterus A urine sample may be obtained to exclude a urinary
prostate bladder tract infection and other bladder diseases. Other
urethra more sophisticated tests may be required and will be
urethra described by your doctor. This may include a visual
inspection of the bladder (cystoscopy). Urodynamic
Male side view Female side view assessment, where pressures in the bladder are
measured during filling and emptying, may be
Normal bladder anatomy recommended to better understand your bladder
function.
Non-medical treatment of
An overactive bladder is one that does not store
urine as well as it should. As its name implies, the overactive bladder
overactive bladder works too often, causing frequent
urination in the daytime, increased night-time voiding Patients who have an overactive bladder should
(nocturia), an uncontrollable urge to void (urgency) limit consumption of caffeinated beverages, such
and sometimes leakage associated with a strong urge as coffee, tea or soft drinks. Alcohol can also worsen
to void (urge incontinence). Symptoms may vary from your bladder symptoms. Maintaining regular bowel
day to day and in different situations. movements is often beneficial.
Urinary leakage from an overactive bladder differs It is important to void regularly, about every 3 to 4
from stress urinary incontinence, which is the hours. Some bladder symptoms such as urgency can
involuntary leakage of urine during activities such be improved with bladder training. One can learn to
as coughing, sneezing or exercise. Some may have suppress the urge to void and progressively increase
a mixture of several types of incontinence (mixed
incontinence).
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