Overactive bladder is a condition that many people suffer from especially those who have neurological disorders or weakening bladder muscles. An overactive bladder can occur because the muscles of the bladder involuntarily contract, causing the urge to urinate. Overactive bladder will often cause people to suffer from sudden urges to urinate with little to no warning. Suffering from overactive bladder can vastly affect a person’s quality of life because of frequent trips to the washroom and feeling embarrassed. In addition it can cause dangerous conditions like Sepsis. What is Sepsis? One of the more dangerous potential issues that can stem from an untreated UTI is sepsis. This can technically occur from any infection, but is very common with UTIs. Sepsis is incredibly dangerous and is very often fatal. Having an overactive bladder can be managed effectively if treatment is sought. Keep reading to find out more about overactive bladder and possible treatment options.
Is Overactive Bladder a UTI?
While commonly referred to as a urinary tract infection, overactive bladder is in fact its own separate issue. What is a urinary tract infection? These infections occur somewhere in the urinary tract, which is used to move urine from the bladder to be expelled. This often results in odd colored or smelling urine, and alterations in urination routine.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms associated with having an overactive bladder include:
- Intense sudden urge to urinate
- Urinating more frequently than normal
- Having to wake multiple times in the night to urinate
- Incontinence
- Anxiety
- Feeling of pressure in the lower abdomen
- Feeling as though the bladder isn’t fully empty
- Sepsis and Septic shock
Some people who suffer from an overactive bladder may also suffer from urine leakage. This can be an embarrassing problem that may require some sort of undergarment protection such as pads or diapers.
Causes
There are several conditions that may cause symptoms of overactive bladder including:
- Poor kidney function
- Diabetes
- Parkinson’s disease
- Certain medications
- Strokes
- Urinary tract infections
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neurological disorders
- Bladder abnormalities
- Constipation
- Enlarged prostate
- Excess consumption of alcohol or caffeine
- Aging
Risk factors
There are a few risk factors that can increase the likelihood of one developing an overactive bladder. Some of these risk factors include:
- Old age
- Cognitive decline
- This often occurs after a stroke or Alzheimer’s disease
- Diabetes
- Bowel issues
Diagnosis
Overactive bladder can be a cause of concern so you should book an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause and possible treatment options. When you meet with your doctor you should tell him or her about what your symptoms are and how long you have been experiencing them. Your doctor will help to diagnose you and then figure out the best treatment option to meet your specific concerns. Your doctor may refer you to a urinary specialist who will perform certain tests based on your symptoms.
Treatment
There are many different treatment options for overactive bladder, but it depends on the cause. Some of the most common treatments include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises)
- Limiting fluid consumption
- Double voiding
- Wearing absorbent pads
- Intermittent catheters
- Medications to relax the bladder
- Nerve stimulation
- Surgery
It can be challenging to live with an overactive bladder because it can somewhat dictate what you do and when you do it. Following your doctor’s advice and treatment plan can help you to manage your symptoms and restore your quality of life. You can also search online for support groups and information about overactive bladder so that you can find at-home care treatment tips and advice.
