VIJAYAWADA: How many of you are aware that stress incontinence is the voluntary loss of urine associated with activities that increase physical stress and pressures in the abdominal and bladder? The urologists estimate that one in six people over the age of 40 suffer from an overactive bladder (OAB) and the issue increases with age.
According to urologists, OAB is a condition that is characterised by sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the urinary bladder. This results in sudden, compelling need to urinate which is difficult to suppress (urinary urgency) even though the bladder may only contain a small amount of urine.
The key symptom is sudden urge to void, often associated with urinary frequency (voiding eight or more times per day) and nocturia (awakening one or more times at night to void). Irritating fluids, such as caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea), spicy foods, and alcohol can worsen the symptoms. “It is common for those affected to compensate for OAB by toilet mapping, fluid restriction, and timed voiding. There is no pain, burning, or blood in the urine with OAB,” they suggested.
“Overactive bladder is a problem where the bladder-storage functions becomes impaired, resulting in a sudden urge to urinate,” said urologist AV Krishna Kishore of KK Hospitals. It is estimated that one in six people over the age of 40 suffer from OAB and the issue increases with age. While traditional drugs for urinary incontinence or loss of bladder control act on the muscles, the Sacral Neuromodulation is based on the concept of controlling the symptoms of incontinence by controlling nerves.
Such implants have been in use for a long time in the West, but are recent additions in India. The traditional methods of treating overactive bladder are to change lifestyle, adopt exercises, lead healthy and active life and avoid drinking and smoking. Another method includes drugs meant to help control the muscles. Botox injections are also used for bladder control. “When every traditional option fails, we can use implants to control overactive bladder. They are expensive, but definitely improve the quality of life because overactive bladder patients can’t lead a normal social life. For such patients, this technique is a solution,” he said.
OAB symptoms
Feel a sudden urge to urinate that is difficult to control
Experience urge incontinence
Urinate frequently, usually eight or more times in 24 hours
Awaken two or more times in the night to urinate (nocturia)
Natural treatment for overactive bladder
Bladder training and pelvic floor exercises, two natural treatments for OAB
Avoiding drinking caffeine or lot of fluids before activities
Don’t drink fluids before going to bed