Irritable Bladder Syndrome

Irritable bladder syndrome is also known as allergic bladder, and this condition has probable chances to progress to interstitial cystitis. A study says that nearly a million people in the United States is affected by irritable bladder symptom. The disorder has been found to affect females more than males or children. Irritable bladder syndrome is idiopathic by nature, that is, there are no definite causes for this medical condition. As mentioned above, a person suffering from this condition experiences sudden contraction of the bladder muscle, without any effort, as the bladder becomes overactive and hence the name 'overactive bladder'.

What is Irritable Bladder Syndrome?
The condition of an irritable bladder syndrome is characterized by a sudden and irresistible urge to urinate even when the bladder is not full. Normally, we get a feeling of going for our needs (urinate) when the bladder is half full and not before that. It is also normal to hold on easily, until we go to the toilet. For people suffering from irritable or overactive bladder syndrome, there is a 'way too early' message from the bladder to the brain, that it is full. However, this is not the actual case. The bladder feels fuller than it actually is, and contracts too early when it is not full and in an involuntary manner. This causes a person great discomfort and at times embarrassment too, as the urge to urinate occurs in unexpected places and at odd times.

Symptoms of Irritable Bladder Syndrome
The symptoms of irritable bladder syndrome are sudden and strong urge to urinate by the patient, but the urination may not be as much as what was expected. The patient may also experience burning sensation or sharp pain while urinating, and for some the pain might subside gradually as the bladder empties itself. The urge to urinate may persist several times throughout the day and night. Another symptom of irritable bladder syndrome that is mostly common with aged people, is related to the reason due to which it is also known as urge incontinence. This is characterized by sudden loss or leakage of urine, even before the patient can make it to the washroom, after feeling the urgency.

Other symptoms of irritable bladder syndrome includes pain in the pelvic and the perineum area, even when there is no urge to urinate. Pain may be felt during sexual activity for both the sexes. In case of men, persistent discomfort may be felt in the genitals, while for women menstruation may worsen the pain due to irritable bladder syndrome. The pain may be mild by nature, but sometimes it becomes so intense that it has serious ill effects on the daily activities.

Treatment of Irritable Bladder Syndrome
Antispasmodics may be recommended for the patient to prevent involuntary bladder contractions. These drugs are used to relieve or prevent spasms (especially of the smooth muscles). In cases, where in, the syndrome is caused as a result of bacterial infection, antibiotics are administered.

Following a healthy diet also helps in reducing the symptoms of irritable bladder syndrome. Avoid foods that are high in acidic and spicy contents, caffeine and alcohol. Refraining from artificial sweeteners and smoking tobacco products also proves beneficial in subsiding the symptoms. Another treatment that works in most cases is known as bladder training. This training includes going for the needs on a preset schedule, irrespective of the fact that the patient feels an urge or not. This is an effort to help the bladder to hold more liquid at a time and prevent incontinence.

Urinary incontinence products are also available as a treatment for urge incontinence, however they are only recommended for short-term use. This is because these products cause complications and their use should be limited, unless advised by a medical professional.

Irritable bladder syndrome can be really 'irritable' for people who suffer from this medical condition. As the cause of this disease has not been identified, its prevention still remains a challenge in medical science. However, for a healthy bladder function, one basic and important habit is to empty the bladder, whenever you feel the need, and not wait for too long until there is extreme pressure. Maintaining this habit might prevent the development of irritable bladder syndrome. People who have already been affected by this syndrome, must follow all the treatment methods required to reduce the symptoms and initiate a speedy recovery.