Urge incontinence, also known as overactive bladder, is characterized by sudden and intense urges to urinate, often followed by an involuntary loss of urine. It can be caused by a urinary tract infection, bladder irritation, or neurological conditions. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of symptoms, and may include medication or lifestyle changes. It is important to talk to a doctor if experiencing symptoms of urinary incontinence.
Urinary incontinence, or the inability to control your bladder function, can present itself in a number of ways. Referring primarily to a specific cause or symptom, types of urinary incontinence, such as urge incontinence, stress incontinence, overflow incontinence, or a combination, typically result in an involuntary release of urine. Urge incontinence is also sometimes called overactive bladder.
Urge incontinence is characterized by frequent and uncontrollable urges to urinate. The urges often come on suddenly and intensely and are followed by an involuntary loss of urine. Many times, the bladder muscle contracts and sends the signal to the brain, but a person may only have seconds to reach the bathroom because the contraction causes urine to pass quickly. Urine can be released by a change of position or even by drinking a small amount of liquid. In some cases, the urge to urinate is present, but little or no urine is passed.
Acute or temporary urge incontinence can be caused by a urinary tract infection or bladder irritation, such as stones or polyps. Urgency and frequent urination are a common symptom of UTIs, but if treated with an antibiotic they tend to go away. Other causes of urge incontinence include stroke, bladder cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or central nervous system injury. In cases where a cause is not diagnosed, urge incontinence is treated as overactive bladder.
Urge incontinence can happen to anyone, but is more common in older adults and women. Tests to diagnose urinary incontinence include a urinalysis to rule out infection; cystoscopy or visual inspection of the bladder; ultrasound; urinary stress test; and X-rays with contrast dye. Other tests may be done depending on your symptoms and medical history.
Treatment of urinary incontinence will depend on the cause, type and severity of your symptoms. If an infection is noted, antibiotics are given. Often no cause is found and other medications may be prescribed to control symptoms. Anticholinergic drugs are drugs that help relax the muscles in the bladder. They are commonly prescribed to treat chronic urge incontinence and are taken once a day. In less severe cases, a doctor may recommend adjusting your diet and lifestyle habits. Measures such as eliminating caffeine, carbonated drinks, and spicy and acidic foods can help.
Urge incontinence can be an embarrassing condition for people, but it’s important to talk to your doctor if you’ve developed symptoms of urinary problems. Sometimes urinary incontinence can indicate a more serious health problem that should be addressed by a doctor.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
