Overactive Bladder (OAB) Treatment in Delhi, India

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Overview

Overactive bladder or urge incontinence refers to strong, sudden need to urinate due to bladder spasms or contractions. The frequent need to urinate may occur during the day, at night, or both. If there is loss of bladder control then it is known as urge incontinence. The cause for it is still unknown. More than 40% of people with overactive bladder have incontinence.While about 40% to 70% of urinary incontinence is due to overactive bladder. It is not life-threatening. Most people with the condition have problems for years.

Overactive Bladder Types

Overactive bladder is of two kinds:

Dry - Urgent need to urinate without involuntary leakage
Wet - Urgent need to urinate with involuntary leakage

Overactive Bladder Symptoms

Overactive bladder symptoms include:

Sudden urge to urinate
Urinary incontinence (unintentional loss of urine)
Frequent urination, like over 8 times in 24 hours
Wake up more than twice at night to urinate (nocturia)
Bladder spasms - it is characterised by the muscles in the bladder tightening and contracting.

Overactive Bladder Causes

Causes of overactive bladder include:

Stroke - a prior stroke may cause damage to the nerves that control the bladder, causing an overactive bladder.
Herniated disk - a herniated disk can pinch and compress nerves responsible for controlling the bladder.
Diabetes - can affect structure and function of the lower urinary tract, which may cause an overactive bladder.
Parkinson’s disease - Parkinson’s is a movement disorder, it can affect the nerves controlling the bladder.
Multiple sclerosis - it is a neurological condition where the lesions may disrupt communication between the nerves in the central nervous system (CNS) and the bladder.
Nerve damage
Bladder stones - unresolved bladder stones can cause the muscle in the bladder to get overactive, which may cause an overactive bladder.
Drinking too much fluid
Inability to completely empty the bladder
Spinal cord injury - nerves that control the bladder may be damaged or injured during a spinal cord injury, causing an overactive bladder
Infection
UTIs - low grade bacterial infections like UTIs can increase bladder function, which in turn can cause an overactive bladder.

Overactive Bladder Complications

Some complications of overactive bladder are:

Sleep disturbances
Anxiety
Emotional distress
Depression
Sexuality issues

Overactive Bladder Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosis of overactive bladder is made by:

Physical exam
Personal and family history
Bladder scans
Urinalysis
Neurological exams
Cough stress test
Uroflowmetry
Cystectomy
Electromyography
Urodynamic tests
Cystoscopy
Maintaining a bladder diary

Overactive Bladder Treatment

Lifestyle changes and exercise can help improve symptoms. Overactive bladder treatment includes:

Avoiding consuming items that make bladder problems worse
Pelvic floor exercises - pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen and support the muscles in the pelvis, which are responsible for supporting the bladder.
Medications - some medications can make it easier to manage an overactive bladder. They work by relaxing the muscles in the bladder or by strengthening the tissues around the bladder.
Nerve stimulation - a noninvasive procedure, it helps regulate nerve impulses that are sent to the bladder.
Surgery - it is a mode of treatment used in certain severe cases where medications and therapy have not been effective. It can include procedures like urinary diversion where a new path is created to divert the flow of urine outside the body, procedures to improve bladder retention, or even bladder removal, in certain cases.
Bladder botox - botox works by blocking signals between the muscles and the brain, which can be helpful in managing an overactive bladder.

Second Opinion for Overactive Bladder (OAB)

Max Hospital is providing the second opinion for problems caused by an overactive bladder. Connect with experts and get advanced treatment for the issue.

Expect with Overactive Bladder Treatment

Overactive bladder symptoms persist without treatment and can cause serious social handicaps to the patient. It is a serious impediment to the mental health of the patient.

However, it can be successfully managed with medications. These medicines relax the overactive muscles and can be safely given for a prolonged period of time. Along with bladder training, some physiotherapy, and medications, these patients can regain control over their bladder and improve the overall quality of their life.

Risk Factors of Overactive Bladder

Factors that increase the chances of overactive bladder include:

Age
Chronic diseases
History of stones
UTI’s
History of bladder/prostate cancer
Menopause
Diuretic medications
Normal-pressure hydrocephalus
Injury
Nerve damage
Obesity
Hormone changes
Medication side effects

Overactive Bladder Prevention

It may not be possible to prevent overactive bladder but lifestyle changes can help reduce the chances of it. Some prevention tips include:

Maintaining a healthy body weight
Exercising regularly
Quitting smoking
Managing chronic illnesses
Making sure to empty the bladder every time
LimitIng alcohol and caffeine intake

Prognosis

Managing an overactive bladder can be a challenge. Treatment is effective and can show a dramatic improvement in the quality of life.

Reviewed & Updated On

Reviewed by Dr. Ruchir Maheshwari, Associate Director, Urology, Robotic Surgery on 21-Feb-2023.

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