Home - Health - 4 Effective Ways To Manage An Overactive Bladder

4 effective ways to manage an overactive bladder

4 effective ways to manage an overactive bladder

Nearly 33 million people in the country suffer from an overactive bladder condition (OAB). Patients often struggle with a sudden urge to urinate and may experience long-term incontinence. Several risk factors are linked to OAB symptoms, including neurological disorders, diabetes, urinary tract infections, hormonal changes, and even an enlarged prostate. But, it is possible to manage the condition via changes in food habits, lifestyle modifications, the correct prescriptions and treatment methods.

Prescriptions to overcome an overactive bladder
Mild to moderate overactive symptoms can be managed with prescriptions including Gemtesa®, Myrbetriq®, and Toviaz®. Here is more on the options typically prescribed for OAB treatment:

Gemtesa®
It belongs to a class of beta 3 adrenergic agonists that help activate beta-3 receptors in the bladder muscles. This allows muscles to relax and hold more urine efficiently.

Myrbetriq®
This prescription works in a similar fashion to Gemtesa® by relaxing the detrusor muscles in the bladder, allowing the organ to hold more urine and help overcome problems linked to incontinence.

Toviaz®
It is an alternate prescription that belongs to a class of urinary antispasmodics used to control the urge to urinate. It helps block certain receptor signals in the bladder to relax the muscle walls and allows better control over spasms that could trigger incontinence.

Best foods to manage an overactive bladder
Change in daily meals to include more nutritious foods and eliminate food triggers can also help overcome an overactive bladder.

Eat non-acidic fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables that don’t cause bladder irritation are safe to eat to manage overactive bladder symptoms better. Bananas, grapes, watermelon, strawberries, blackberries, apples, and coconuts are great fruits to eat regularly. You can add vitamin-rich vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, cucumber, kale, carrots, celery, lettuce, and peppers to meals.

Eat foods rich in fiber
Lentils, beans, bran, barley, artichoke, oats, and raspberries are excellent fiber-rich foods that promote better digestion. They help relieve discomforts linked to constipation that puts excess pressure on the bladder and the urinary tract. Also, almonds, pistachios, and pecans are excellent nuts to eat to overcome problems linked to constipation.

Eat foods rich in proteins
Protein is necessary for muscle growth and tissue repair in damaged cells. In an overactive bladder, the organ loses its ability to control and hold fluids, resulting in incontinence. Consuming more lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs can help improve damaged muscle and overcome muscle control issues.

Foods to avoid
Overactive bladder symptoms can worsen over time due to several trigger foods. These range from acidic fruits and vegetables to even sweetened and carbonated beverages. Avoid limes, lemons, grapefruit, oranges, tomatoes, and even tomato products that are rich in natural citric acid. Spicy foods, foods containing added preservatives, additives, flavorings, sugar, and sugar substitutes will also worsen the symptoms. Also, avoid consuming sports drinks, carbonated beverages, and caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee, and energy drinks to control the symptoms of an overactive bladder.

Lifestyle changes to help overcome overactive bladder symptoms
Changes in daily nutrition can also be supplemented with effective lifestyle habits and a routine that improves control over urge and incontinence.

Pay attention to your fluid intake
Drinking too much water or other liquids can increase the urge and frequency to urinate with an already overactive bladder. Drinking more fluids during the day and avoiding hydrating at night is recommended. The body can also absorb liquids from daily foods, so pay attention to your fluid intake by keeping track of what you eat.

Explore bladder training exercises
Bladder training can also help train the muscles to gain more control. The first step is identifying a pattern of urge, frequency, and need for daily urination. Maintaining these details in a diary will help identify the problem and severity of the symptoms. Once the patterns are identified, it is possible to devise an interval plan to space out the urge to urinate. Over time, your mind and body will get used to the new routine, and with practice, it may be possible to overcome an overactive bladder condition.

Doctors also suggest pelvic floor exercises, including Kegel exercises, biofeedback sensor training, and vaginal weight training to control pelvic floor muscles better and manage incontinence. Daily physical exercise, maintaining a healthy body mass index, and avoiding stimulating substances will be beneficial in the long run.

Other treatment options to overcome an overactive bladder

Botox injections
Botox injections can be injected into the bladder tissue to help the muscles relax. It will, thus, help the bladder hold urine for longer These injection doses usually last for six months before it is time to take a follow-up shot.

Nerve stimulation techniques
Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation (PTNS) is a non-surgical option where electricity is conducted carefully to stimulate the tibial nerve, helping prevent muscle spasms that could lead to incontinence.

Surgery
Surgery is the only viable option for patients with severe overactive bladder symptoms. It is done to improve the bladder’s capacity to store more urine. However, the procedure could also lead to permanent catheter use. In extremely severe cases, bladder removal is the only option. In this type of surgery, the organ is replaced with an artificial system to collect urine outside of the body.

It is always advisable to consult with medical professionals to understand the impact of changes in daily foods, treatment options, and lifestyle remedies to manage an overactive bladder. If the symptoms flare up, seek immediate medical attention at any point before or during treatment to avoid permanent damage to the organ.

Previous Read

Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

Next Read

Effective tips that help manage asthma symptoms

Asthma is characterized by respiratory problems that cause narrowing and swelling of the airways, making breathing feel labored. Chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, and irregular sleeping patterns are common symptoms. The cold and cough mainly trigger attacks, which cause excess mucus formation. According to the WHO, around 262 million people in 2019 were affected by asthma. This article shares the effective treatment options, meal plans, lifestyle changes, and tips to manage asthma: Treatment options The symptoms of asthma can be managed with the help of effective treatment options, such as Tezepelumab This treatment option is a human monoclonal antibody that blocks the activity of thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), a cytokine responsible for the inflammatory response. Tezepelumab is known to reduce annualized asthma exacerbation rate in severe asthmatic patients. FASENRA Severe cases of eosinophilic asthma are treated with this prescribed option. FASENRA targets the eosinophils, which helps patients breathe easier and reduces the frequency of asthma attacks. NUCALA NUCALA contains mepolizumab, an intravenously administered treatment for patients with severe eosinophilic asthma. This prescription targets the eosinophils in the bloodstream that are responsible for causing flare-ups. XOLAIR® This prescription option works against Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is the main culprit of allergic reactions that trigger asthma. XOLAIR is used for moderate to severe asthma in people six years or above. ZYRTEC® ZYRTEC helps stop the immune response to allergy triggers, and it's used for treating mild to moderate asthma. This option provides relief from symptoms like watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose or throat. Foods to eat Any illness is fought with a combination of treatment options and a healthy food regime. In this case, we must focus on foods that enhance the function of the lungs. Spinach, lettuce, radish, parsley, rocket, and beetroot are all high in nitrate, which helps optimize the function of the lungs. These foods help increase the oxygen levels and let the organs perform at their best. Vitamin-C-rich foods like oranges, bell peppers, and lime help restore your immune system, keeping common triggers of asthma at bay. Garlic, ginger, tomatoes, olive oil, and leafy greens are rich sources of anti-inflammatory properties that help provide relief to asthma symptoms. Foods to avoid Cabbage, legumes, wheat, and lentils, cause bloating and acidity. These foods can put more pressure on the airways, causing them to narrow even further. Other foods that must be avoided include soy, peanuts, tree nuts, shrimp, and other shellfish, as these can easily trigger allergies even among normal patients. Those with asthma need to be extra careful about their food choices and eliminate triggers. Lifestyle changes Along with the treatments and nutritional choices mentioned above, here are a few daily habits that can help people with asthma: Regular exercise Practicing yoga, mild exercises, and meditation can be significantly rewarding for asthma patients. These activities can help improve breathing capacity and gradually help expand the airways. Better breathing patterns imply that the body receives optimal levels of oxygen, elevating the function of all organs. Meditation helps relieve stress and anxiety, which is crucial for those with asthma patients as such factors can contribute to a feeling of restlessness, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness. These symptoms can trigger an asthma attack or worsen the symptoms of asthma. Protection from triggers Anything that involves the sensation of the nose can trigger an asthma attack. It would be ideal for asthma patients to know their triggers and take the necessary preventive steps. The most common triggers include dust mites, perfumes, molds, fur from pets, and pollen. Keep a mask handy while stepping out during pollen season, and if you're an outdoor enthusiast, it's best to step out after the rains. The dust and pollens settle on the surface instead of freely swaying the way the wind sways. During a high pollen season, asthma patients can mouth covers, masks, or wraps to protect themselves from irritants. Using a humidifier People staying in a region with dry air will face respiratory issues like an inflamed windpipe and a dry mouth and throat. The lack of moisture in the air can irritate an asthma patient even more and may pose a higher risk of contracting a cold and cough. Besides, the dry air doesn't let the inflamed windpipe and a sore throat heal fast enough. In that case, an effective humidifier would be the best investment. Having more steam baths and hot beverages Some quick home remedies asthma patients can effectively use in their daily lives. Taking a steam bath more often helps release mucus and congestion, keeping one of the most common asthma triggers at bay. A cup of herbal tea like ginger, rosemary, peppermint, or chamomile tea right before bed can help release the accumulated congestion and clear the windpipe for a better airflow. Such habits practice can help asthma patients breathe easier, resulting in a peaceful night's sleep. Keeping a condition like asthma under control is crucial. The treatments, nutritional choices, and lifestyle changes discussed above will help protect one from the symptoms and help build a tolerance toward environmental factors that usually come into play.

Trending Articles

01

Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
02

What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
03

Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
04

Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

Our Blogs

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

ADHD, short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects children worldwide, and this also often carries on into their adulthood. Some of the different problems faced by kids suffering from ADHD include sustaining attention for a long time, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. There might be other problems associated with ADHD, like low self-esteem, low grades in school, and difficulty in keeping up with relationships. More often than not, symptoms of ADHD are seen to have decreased with age. However, there are cases wherein ADHD symptoms never subside. Levels of ADHD There are three different levels or stages at which ADHD can affect individuals. They are: Predominantly inattentive ADHD This level of ADHD may be related to missing details very easily and getting distracted often. Also, one may get bored very quickly. One has difficulty in processing new information, and there is also the tendency to not listen properly. One might not be able to follow directions very clearly and also lose things like pencils or papers. It has been observed that girls are more likely to get inattentive ADHD than boys. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD This is mostly associated with symptoms like restlessness and difficulty with sitting still. Kids suffering from hyperactive-impulsive ADHD have a tendency to talk consistently, and it’s less likely that they will engage in quiet activities.
Read More
Understanding skin aging

Understanding skin aging

Changes in the skin are one of the biggest signs that the body is aging. But how the aging of skin takes place depends on a lot of factors such as our diet, lifestyle habits, stress levels, and the like. For example, if you smoke regularly, it can lead to the production of free radicals, which damage healthy skin cells and cause wrinkles. So, let’s dig a little deeper into skin aging so that you can diagnose it and prevent it for as long as possible. Stages of skin aging As you age, you will start noticing changes in your skin. These changes take place in phases or stages. Learning about these phases can allow you to take better care of your skin and stay away from everything that can prove to be harmful to it. So, these stages of skin aging are: Stage I – Between 25 and 35 years This is the time when your skin will look extremely voluminous to you. But, this is also the time when the early signs of aging will start to appear. Therefore, it is important that you follow a good skincare regime. Some wrinkles can start appearing on the forehead. Lines can also start to appear on the face when you make normal expressions such as laughing, smiling, or frowning.
Read More
Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

There are three terms that one can relate to addiction – reward, motivation, and memory. Addiction is when the body craves a behavior or substance in an obsessive pursuit of a reward. The person will have little concern about the consequences of the particular behavior or substance. Things to note in case of addiction Some of the attributes that one can relate with addiction include an inability to stay away from the substance, lack of self-control, an outrageous desire for the substance or behavior, ignorance towards the problems that the behavior might be causing, and a growing tendency to ignore the emotional response. Addictions have been known to interfere with daily life and there are also cases of relapse and remission. The complications of addiction can be physical, emotional, as well as financial. Stages of addiction There are five main stages of addiction. These include: Experimentation Every addiction starts with experimentation and during this stage, one cannot understand that this is the beginning of an addiction. One cannot be sure that this will turn into something serious, and hence no necessary steps are taken at this stage. A simple way to find out how this will turn into addiction is understanding the reason for experimenting and how often a person experiments with new substances.
Read More
Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Incurring debt is really common in this age and era as everything has become extremely expensive, from college education to owing a house. If you ever feel that your debt is too large and you may not be able to pay it in time, then you can seek the help of a debt settlement company. These companies essentially communicate with your creditor to try and lower your debt and the rest of it is typically forgiven. Given below is a list of the top 9 debt settlement companies in the USA. National Debt Relief If you have USD 7,500 or more in debt, then the National Debt Relief can be a great choice for you. It is one of the most prominent debt settlement companies in the country. The initial consultation is offered for free, but you will have to pay 15-25% of the settled debt amount as a fee. Freedom Debt Relief This a dedicated company that offers debt relief services to people who have at minimum USD 7,500 to USD 10,000 in debt. 15-25% of the settle debt amount is charged as fee once a settlement is negotiated, and in return, they offer the possibility of settling the debt within 24-48 months.
Read More
Allergies – Stages and prevention

Allergies – Stages and prevention

The immune system of our bodies is constantly fighting against viruses and bacteria to keep us healthy. However, in certain cases, the immune system may also end up fighting some substances that are not always harmful. When this happens, you experience an allergic reaction. The allergens are the substances that cause the reactions. With a little carefulness, you can prevent the allergies effectively. The allergic development Even though an allergic reaction can vary from person to person, it generally progresses in the same five stages: Stage 1 The allergen enters your body through food, air, or touch, and contact the cells in your body. Stage 2 Your immune system creates immunoglobulin E, which is a type of antibody. Stage 3 This antibody enters your gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract but does not do anything. Stage 4 The next time when you are exposed to the same allergen, the immunoglobulin E treats it as a harmful substance and reacts with it. Stage 5 24 hours after the reaction, the immune system cells move towards the areas that were affected to release certain chemicals to treat it. How to diagnose allergies Your allergies can be diagnosed by a doctor. Before visiting him or her, you must recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Read More
Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia is a kind of medical condition in which an adequate amount of oxygen fails to reach one’s body’s tissues owing to the deficiency of red blood cells in their body. When one suffers from this condition, their body feels weak and exhausted all the time. Symptoms There are different kinds of anemia and each of them has a cause of its own. It can have short-term or long-term effects and the disease can be mild or severe in nature. If one sees any symptoms suggesting that point toward anemia, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately. The signs vary from person to person and depend on the cause or their origin. Sometimes, the chronic disease causes anemia and the doctor ends up diagnosing the disease but the fact that one is suffering from anemia does not show up in the test. Sometimes, there are mild symptoms and then, with time the symptoms become more prominent indicating that the disease has penetrated one’s body more deeply. Some of the commonly found symptoms include breathing difficulties, fatigue, pale skin, chest pain, headache, dizziness, hands and feet turning cold, irregular heartbeat, and pain in the chest . Types of anemia Iron deficiency anemia This is the most common kind of anemia, which occurs due to iron deficiency.
Read More