Overactive Bladder Diagnosis And Treatment
Dr. H Sanjay Bhat, is a renowned urologist in Dubai. This article is about Urine Leakage or Incontinence and how to diagnose and treat Overactive Bladder (OAB).
Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, with symptoms such as a sudden and urgent need to urinate, frequent urination, and sometimes, involuntary leakage of urine. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention to diagnose and treat OAB.
The diagnosis of OAB typically involves a physical examination, a review of medical history, and a series of tests, including a urine analysis and bladder function tests. These tests may include measuring the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination, evaluating the strength of the bladder muscles, and assessing the flow rate of urine.
Once a diagnosis of OAB is confirmed, treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medications, and in some cases, surgery. Lifestyle changes may include avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine and alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and pelvic floor exercises. Medications may include anticholinergics, beta-3 agonists, or mirabegron, which can help relax the bladder muscles and reduce the urgency and frequency of urination. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to implant a device that can stimulate the nerves that control the bladder.
It is important to work with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan for your individual needs and to follow up regularly to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed. With proper diagnosis and treatment, many people with OAB can achieve significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.
Overactive Bladder Diagnosis And Treatment:
overactive bladder or OAB is characterised by urgency and frequency of urination and in extreme cases leakage of urine or urge incontinence needing wearing of pads. this is sometimes also a cause of leaking urine before you can reach the toilet. this condition is commonly seen in women although it can also be seen in men
Evaluation:
- will show
- normal urine tests
- uroflowmtery test shows good flow with minimal post-urination residual urine
Treatment Behavioural Treatment:
- Reduce intake of fluids in excess and beverages like coffee tea and soft drinks and alcohol
- Maintain a bladder diary initially. it was noting the amount of fluid consumed, time of urination, and approximate volume of urination. this will help to control the amount of fluid and help you to try and control the time of urination by bladder training.
- Bladder training: consciously try to hold urine for progressively longer periods of time. kegel exercises (refer youtube for different methods to do this)
medication:
Different medicines are available that can be used intially to relax the bladder and help you achieve your goal of bladder training till such time that you can achieve bladder training without medications
Severe Cases: may need longer duration of medication, further investigation of bladder function by cystoscopy or endoscopy of the bladder and urodynamic tests to study bladder function.
Surgery: minor and major procedures are needed for estreme cases which are rare.
