Overactive Bladder Syndrome

Overactive bladder syndrome is a condition which is characterized by involuntary and uncontrolled bladder contractions. Here, the bladder contracts without being full and without the person having any control over it. This ailment does not have any specific causes. However, there are factors which can be related to this disorder. These include other illnesses like Parkinson's disease (a regenerative disorder of the central nervous system characterized by tremor and impaired muscular coordination), strokes, multiple sclerosis(a chronic progressive nervous disorder involving loss of myelin sheath around certain nerve fibers), poor kidney function and diabetes.

Other causes may also include tumors in the bladder, bladder stones, urinary tract infections, inflammation of the tissues of urinary tract and enlarged prostate. Alcohol abuse, excess caffeine consumption and certain medications have also been related to this condition of the bladder. Apart from these causes, small bladder capacity, anxiety, structural abnormalities in the bladder or urethra and pollakiuria (unduly frequent urination ) have been closely related to causing overactive bladder syndrome in children.

Symptoms

Signs that may suggest the development of this illness include a sudden and strong urge to urinate, urge incontinence (urinary incontinence that is generally attributable to involuntary contracts of the bladder muscle resulting in an urgent need to urinate accompanied by a sudden loss of urine), frequent urination and nocturia (excessive urination at night; especially common in older men).

Treatment

Several ways have been evolved with the intention to treat overactive bladder syndrome thus, reducing the number of incontinence episodes. Constipation is known to aggravate the symptoms of the illness. So, inculcating a diet of fiber rich foods becomes a must. Fluid consumption is again a consideration, which can be well looked after by the doctor. Bladder training is also one of the effective ways to manage this condition. The patient will be advised to delay his urge to urinate for sometime (let's say 10 minutes) and gradually working towards extending the time delays. Double urinating is helpful for those who face issues with emptying their bladder. The patients are advised to urinate few minutes after they have already urinated. There might be a specific schedule set up by the doctor to help the patient to go for his need at the same time everyday, rather than going at any time. The doctor may also suggest a number of pelvic floor muscle exercises which may help the patient improve in his uncontrolled bladder contractions. Apart from maintaining a healthy weight in order to manage the symptoms of this disease, using absorbent pads and intermittent catheterize can also be advised the doctor.

Medications are also a part of the treatment and so is surgery. However, surgery is opted in cases where the condition does not show any improvements with the help of conservative treatment measures. Sacral nerve stimulation and augmentation cystoplasty are the two surgical procedures which are put into use.

One can reduce the risk of overactive bladder syndrome by inculcating a regular exercise schedule, a high-fiber diet and keeping away from factors which may contribute to its cause. In order words, opting for healthy lifestyle choices is the best prevention for this condition and for other illnesses, as well. Take care!