Overactive

Overactive Bladder (OAB)

Overactive Bladder (OAB), pronounced as /ˌoʊvərˈæktɪv ˈblædər/, is a condition characterized by a sudden, involuntary contraction of the muscle in the wall of the urinary bladder. This results in a sudden and urgent need to urinate, even when the bladder is not full.

Etymology

The term "overactive bladder" is derived from the English words "over", "active", and "bladder". "Over" is from the Old English ofer, meaning "above, beyond, across". "Active" is from the Latin activus, meaning "active, practical". "Bladder" is from the Old English blǣdre, meaning "bladder, pouch, sac".

Symptoms

Symptoms of OAB include:

Urgency: A sudden and strong need to urinate immediately.
Frequency: Urinating more often than usual.
Nocturia: Waking up to urinate during the night.
Urge incontinence: Involuntary loss of urine immediately after feeling the urge to urinate.

Causes

The exact cause of OAB is unknown, but it's believed to be caused by the muscles of the bladder contracting involuntarily. This can occur even when the volume of urine in your bladder is low. These involuntary contractions create the urgent need to urinate.

Several conditions may contribute to signs and symptoms of overactive bladder, including:

Neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis
Diabetes
Certain medications
Aging
Bladder abnormalities
Past bladder surgeries
Certain types of cancer, such as bladder cancer

Treatment

Treatment for OAB can include lifestyle changes, bladder training, medication, and surgery.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Overactive
Wikipedia's article - Overactive

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