Learn about overactive bladder, its causes, warning signs, how doctors diagnose it, and the effective treatment options offered at Shah Hospital, Ludhiana.
What is Overactive Bladder?
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition characterised by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate, often accompanied by frequent urination and, in some cases, leakage. It can affect both men and women and may interfere with daily activities and sleep.
Common Causes
- Involuntary bladder muscle contractions
- Nerve signals that become over‑active
- Age‑related changes in bladder tissue
- Urinary tract infections or inflammation
- Certain medications (e.g., diuretics)
- Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or neurological disorders
Symptoms to Watch For
- Urgent need to urinate that is difficult to postpone
- Frequent urination (more than eight times a day)
- Nocturia – waking up several times at night to urinate
- Urgency urinary incontinence – leakage before reaching the toilet
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
How is it Diagnosed?
The urology team at Shah Hospital begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Tests may include:
- Urine analysis to rule out infection
- Bladder diary to track frequency and volume
- Uroflowmetry to measure the speed of urine flow
- Post‑void residual scan to see how much urine remains after voiding
- Urodynamic studies for complex cases
Treatment Options Available at Shah Hospital
- Lifestyle and Behavioural Changes
- Bladder training exercises
- Timed voiding schedules
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol
- Pelvic Floor Muscle Therapy
- Guided physiotherapy to strengthen pelvic muscles
- Medications
- Antimuscarinics (e.g., oxybutynin, tolterodine)
- Beta‑3 agonists (e.g., mirabegron)
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Botox injections into the bladder wall
- Peripheral nerve stimulation
- Surgical Options
- Sacral neuromodulation
- Bladder augmentation (in selected cases)
Our experienced urologists tailor the treatment plan to each patient’s severity of symptoms, overall health, and personal preferences, aiming for maximum relief and improved quality of life.
Shah Hospital
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