Relieve Your Overactive Bladder
Fortunately, there are things you can do to help alleviate the symptoms of an overactive bladder. These include drinking alcohol, taking medications, and exercising.
Urinary diversion
Depending on your medical condition, you may need a urinary diversion. Urinary diversion is a surgical procedure that uses different devices to allow you to safely store urine. It can be permanent or temporary.
A urinary diversion procedure is done to reroute urine from the kidneys to another part of the body. Urine is usually stored in a pouch created inside the body. There are two types of urinary diversion procedures: continent and non-continent.
Continent urinary diversion involves placing a portion of the small intestine into a pouch, which is then attached to the urethra. The urine is then stored until it is urinated.
A non-continent urinary diversion is similar to a continence urinary diversion. A pouch is created by placing a small part of the small intestine into the abdominal cavity. The ureters are then repositioned to drain into the pouch.
Urinary diversion devices may include a stent, ureteral stent, a urine collecting bag, a tube, or a neobladder. These devices all need to be properly cleaned and maintained. Your nurse will train you on the proper care of the device.
Botox injections
Using Botox injections for an overactive bladder is a promising treatment option. It is a non-invasive procedure that can improve your symptoms within two weeks. However, it is important to know that there are some side effects to the treatment.
One of the side effects is that you may have a hard time emptying your bladder. This can last for weeks or months, but the problem will go away with time. You may also be prescribed a catheter to help you drain your bladder after your Botox treatment.
Botox is a bacterial neurotoxin that is used to treat several muscle and tissue conditions. Botox is also used for migraines, eye problems, and chronic pain.
Botox is used to treat an overactive bladder because it blocks nerve receptors in the muscles of the bladder that receive signals from the brain. This is important because the bladder has to communicate with the brain and pelvic floor muscles to help it empty. If the brain doesn’t receive these signals, the bladder cannot empty.
The most common side effect of Botox injections for an overactive bladder may be a urinary tract infection (UTI). This can occur in up to 18% of patients who have the treatment. You will be given antibiotics the day before the treatment to help prevent this side effect.
Augmentation cystoplasty
During augmentation cystoplasty, tissue from a section of the intestine is inserted into the bladder wall. This increases the bladder’s storage capacity and reduces pressure. The procedure is usually done in combination with other procedures.
It is important to note that augmentation cystoplasty is not a cure for an overactive bladder. Patients may experience urinary tract infections or other complications. It is best to consider this surgery only after more conservative methods have failed.
Patients who have a neurogenic overactive bladder should consider augmentation cystoplasty. This is because the neurogenic bladder is a result of damage to the brain or spinal cord. It is also associated with a birth defect.
The bladder is a muscle-filled reservoir that holds urine. The bladder’s muscles squeeze urine out through the urethra. When the bladder is not full, the muscles relax and the bladder is able to wait. When the bladder is full, the muscles become tight and the bladder becomes stiff. When this occurs, patients may feel a sudden urge to go to the bathroom and may experience pain, urgency, or leakage.
Infections
Despite their commonness, infections caused by overactive bladder can be difficult to diagnose. However, if a person experiences frequent urination or leakage, it is a good idea to make an appointment with a doctor. A doctor can perform a physical examination and a urine analysis to find out if the patient has an infection.
A urinalysis, also known as a urogram, is a procedure that enables a doctor to examine the chemical and microscopic aspects of pee. The test also allows the doctor to detect bacteria in the urine. It can also detect blood or pus. If the test shows abnormal results, a doctor may order further testing.
In addition to urinalysis, the bladder may be examined with an ultrasound or a catheter. Urodynamic tests, which include a bladder emptying test, are also used to assess the bladder’s functionality. The doctor will insert a thin tube through the urethra to measure the bladder’s irritability.
If the bladder’s emptying is not normal, it may be due to a structural issue. The doctor may recommend urological surgery, such as augmentation cystoplasty. If surgery is needed, the doctor will replace the bladder with bowel tissue. The procedure is often reserved for patients with very severe cases.
Mood disorders
Mood disorders are a group of emotional disturbances. They are characterized by prominent anxiety, impulsivity, and disturbances in their emotional state.
They are associated with high morbidity and mortality. A timely diagnosis can help lower associated morbidity. However, patients often need ongoing treatment to prevent relapse. They may also require medication to control episodes.
Mood disorders are classified into two groups: depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. Bipolar disorders are characterized by episodes of mania and depression. Symptoms of mania may include increased energy and excitement, while depressive symptoms may include decreased energy and concentration.
Depressive disorders are characterized by episodes of depression that last for more than two weeks. These episodes are usually triggered by stressful events in the patient’s life. They are usually followed by a remission period of six to twelve months.
Mood disorders are also known as affective disorders. They are categorized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, TR. This manual has expanded the categories of mood disorders.
The main symptom of a major depressive episode is a decrease in energy and concentration. Some symptoms may occur years after the episode, but they may still be considered part of the disorder.
Medications
Medications for an overactive bladder can help relieve symptoms such as urgency, frequency, and urinary leakage. Some drugs may also help manage pain and discomfort associated with bladder issues. It is important to know how to take these drugs properly and safely.
Medications for an overactive bladder can be effective for some patients, but others may not respond as well. It is important to keep in mind that these drugs may have side effects, and they can cause confusion and sleepiness. Those with dementia, memory problems or other conditions should also be careful when taking these medications.
If you suffer from OAB, your doctor may recommend a therapy called InterStim. It involves a device implanted in your low back, and electrical impulses are sent to the nerves that control your bladder.
Another option is Mirabegron, which relaxes the muscles of the bladder and detrusor urine. This is done through the stimulation of b3-adrenergic receptors. Mirabegron does not have the same side effects as anticholinergic drugs. However, it can have GI side effects, and some people may experience headaches.
Alcohol and caffeine
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to reduce the likelihood of your overactive bladder triggering a leak. One way is to avoid the foods that make your bladder overflow. Another is to use a bladder diary to keep track of how often you pee. It is also wise to cut back on the amount of alcohol you consume.
The most important thing to remember is that you should never drink more than eight glasses of fluid a day. If you do, you will likely suffer from constipation, which is the last thing you want.
Caffeine is considered a diuretic and may contribute to urinary tract infections. It also has an effect on bladder retention. It may also increase blood pressure, which is not ideal. It is also a good idea to limit your intake of spicy foods. This is particularly important if you are pregnant.
The best way to manage an overactive bladder is to drink plenty of fluids, but avoiding caffeine and alcohol may be necessary. The combination of these two stimulants may actually make your bladder overflow.
Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor
Having an overactive bladder can be embarrassing. It is stressful and bothersome to live with. You may also suffer from emotional distress and disrupted sleep. Fortunately, exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor can help prevent accidents and improve your urinary health.
If you suffer from an overactive bladder, you should see a urologist for treatment. Your doctor can provide you with information on urinary health and recommend ways to prevent leakage. You can also practice daily exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor to help improve bladder control.
Pelvic floor exercises, also called Kegels, are designed to help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder. These exercises can be performed anywhere, including while you are reading a book, taking a walk, or watching TV.
To perform the exercises, you should tighten your pelvic floor muscles and then relax them. Hold your muscles for about five seconds. You can increase the amount of time you hold your muscles by gradually increasing your hold. You should also be aware that you should not tighten your stomach, leg, or buttock muscles.
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Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
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