Overactive bladder – how to help yourself?

What is overactive bladder, what are its causes, symptoms, treatment options and practical suggestions? In this article, we will try to answer these questions and provide comprehensive information about the problems associated with overactive bladder.

Overactive bladder – what is it?

Overactive bladder, also known as overactive bladder syndrome, is a urinary tract disorder characterized by frequent and sudden urge to urinate.

People suffering from this problem often do not have full control over their bladder, which can significantly affect their quality of life.

Causes of overactive bladder

The causes of overactive bladder can be various. One of the main risk factors is age – the older the person, the greater the likelihood of developing this condition. Additionally, there are several other factors that can contribute to the development of an overactive bladder, such as:

• Urinary tract infections
• Damage to the nerves that control the bladder
• Stress and depression
• Smoking tobacco
• Presence of kidney stones

It is worth noting that the causes of overactive bladder may be different for different people, and it is often the result of a combination of several factors.

Overactive bladder – symptoms

Symptoms of overactive bladder can be bothersome and affect patients’ daily lives. The most common symptoms of this disease include:

• Sudden urge to urinate, sometimes even without a clear need
• Frequent urination, even several times an hour
• Waking up at night to urinate (nocturia)
• Problems holding urine (incontinence)
• Painful urination

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is worth consulting a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Overactive bladder syndrome – treatment

Treatment for overactive bladder may vary and depends on the severity of symptoms and the causes of the condition. Here are some treatment options for overactive bladder:

1. Changes in diet and drinking habits – avoiding irritating drinks and foods, controlling the amount of caffeine and alcohol consumed.
2. Physiotherapy – special exercises aimed at strengthening the pelvic floor muscles.
3. Medications – Your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce bladder irritation.
4. Behavioral therapy – learning bladder control and changing urination habits.
5. Botulinum injections – in some cases, it may be recommended to administer botulinum toxin into the bladder muscles, which helps reduce its overactivity.
6. Neuromodulation – a special device implanted under the skin that helps control bladder function.

The choice of treatment method will depend on the individual needs of the patient and consultation with a specialist.

Your suggestions

If you have an overactive bladder or struggle with similar problems, it is worth consulting a doctor for professional help. Changing your lifestyle, diet and regular exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles are also of great importance. Remember that there are various treatments that can help improve your quality of life, so don’t hesitate to seek help and talk to professionals.

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This article aims to provide comprehensive information about overactive bladder and how to deal with it. Remember that it is always worth consulting your doctor to obtain an individual diagnosis and treatment plan that suits your needs.