Incontinence or Overactive Bladder Syndrome

Introduction

Overactive Bladder or OAB (Overactive Bladder syndrome) features problems related to urination. It is a urological condition that does not create serious harm but however, needs medical attention in order to lead a peaceful lifestyle. The syndrome creates an urge in patients to urinate frequently. It features constant urgency, inadequate sleep due to urination (referred to as nocturia), unintentional urinating and a sense to continue, etc. Pain is also felt during urination that is caused due to the overactive bladder. It is estimated that at least twenty seven percent of males and forty three per cent of women are affected with this disease all over the world. The common symptoms of the disease include diabetes, excess consumption f caffeine, excess drinking or smoking, etc. Poor lifestyle choices may also lead to this medical condition. Although the condition requires immediate medical attention many do seek medical attention until the condition becomes severe and uncontrollable. Since the disease does not threaten the existence of life or other severities surgery is not conducted as tere is possibility of permanent damage of the spinal nerves which can impair mobility and self support considerably.



                             

Causes of OAB

The main cause for this disease is hereditary in nature. It is more assed down the generations than affected on an individual basis. However, individual lifestyle choices of drinking and smoking can also inflict the disease condition in an individual. Excess consumption of caffeine particles like coffee, soda, energy drinks, etc can also cause OAB. However, a more detailed cause of the disease is not available and is quite unclear. It features an over activity of the detrusor urinae muscle which is responsible for contraction or expansion of the bladder during urodynamics. Abnormal contractions in the tissue can also lead to this medical condition where the whole bladder or detrusor tissue is unable to sustain pressure for longer periods of time. Hence, OAB is also referred to as a disease related to the bladder than of other tissues of organs of the body system. OAB is not the same as urinary incontinence as is commonly believed. Both the diseases have entirely difference causes and symptoms which require different medical attention. However, if they are occurring together simultaneously in an individual it is referred to as mixed incontinence.

Symptoms of OAB

OAB has four major symptoms – frequent urge to urinate, increased urgency or compulsion, nocturia, and incontinence. Urgency to urinate frequently without proper intervals is the major symptom of OAB. However, there is no standard specification or classification as to what is referred to as proper interval in medical studies.  However, a sudden urge to urinate and anxiety or fear of urinating is referred to as OAB. It is considered that a person has OA if he or she is required to urinate more than eight times a day. Once medication is initiated a voiding diary is maintained where the frequency with which the urination occurs is tracked by the patient to mark progress and to start further medication. The number of urinating instances also varies with the hours of sleep, climatic conditions, quantum of water intake, effects of other medication, etc Nocturia is a medical condition where a person is unable to sleep due to an urge to urinate. Like other symptoms this is also due to the medication or lifestyle choices of the individual. Incontinence is a form of OAB where a person leaks involuntarily without his knowledge. Such medical condition can be arrested only by conscious medical attention to the individual and through performing tests like pad tests and periodical measurement.

Diagnosis of OAB

The primary diagnosis of OAB is performed by confirming or dispelling the major symptoms of OAB. It is also further conformed by performed cystometry. It rules the possibilities of any infection, tumors or kidney stones in the human body. The frequency or volume chart also helps in diagnosing the stage of the medical order with some accuracy. Further, additional urinary or pathology related diseases can also be diagnosed in the due course of diagnosis for this disease which will confirm or dispel the presence of OAB. Bladder cancer is also tested for to ensure that it is not due to the excessive chemical reactions happening in the body that the bladder is unable to perform its routine functions effectively. Urinary tract infections that feature pain during urination and hematuria (presence of blood in urine) are also diagnosed for.

Treatment of OAB

Most patients post pone visiting their doctors and discussing the disease as it is one that potentially embarrasses anyone. However, it is necessary to shed such inhibitions and ensure that proper medication is taken at the earliest to ensure that the disease is arrested before it aggravates and worsens the patient’s condition. A combination of medication and dietary measures would result in the treatment of OAB. Caffeine containing fluids should be reduced or is possible avoided. Further, fluid intake should also be restricted in order to reduce the urge of frequent urination. Various are available in the market which arrests the sensation giving considerable relief to patients. However, like any other medicines these are also to be consumed only as per prescribed dosages recommended by doctors. The dosage will differ from patient to patient based on the severity of the disease. Medication will aid in cutting down the number by two to three time a day from the usual twelve times as is the nature for affected patients. Surgery may also be recommended for severe cases. However, they are not used widely because serous permanent damage could be inflicted upon spine tissues that can harm bowel movements and other health complications. Botolnium Toxin drug is the most commonly used drug which aids in cutting down the urge to a significant extent without affecting the health of the patient. A positive cooperation from the patient is also required to control diet and fluid intake which is every essential for the cure than any other medication as prescribed by medical professionals.