Irritable bladder is a general term for any persistent condition that provokes the muscles in the bladder to contract involuntarily, resulting in a sudden, urgent, uncontrollable need to urinate (urge incontinence). Numerous stimuli can intermittently irritate the bladder and override conscious attempts to inhibit the voiding reflex, sometimes resulting in large-volume accidents that may occur either during the day or while sleeping.
The mechanisms that trigger irritable bladder are sometimes difficult to determine; identifying an underlying cause often leads to effective treatment. Irritable bladder is fairly common, especially among women.
What Causes Irritable Bladder?



Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Nervous tension
Food sensitivities
Bladder stones
Pregnancy
Damage to the nerves that control bladder function, which causes excessive contraction of the bladder.
Obstruction of the outflow of urine, for example, because of a tumor, urethral stricture, or an enlarged prostate.
A reaction to the use of a urinary catheter
In many cases the cause is unknown.
Symptoms of Irritable Bladder
Uncomfortable feeling in abdomen and distention
Sudden, urgent need to urinate
Accidental voiding of urine, sometimes in large volumes
Frequent urination, both during the day and at night



Prevention of Irritable Bladder
Because it is difficult to identify its underlying cause, irritable bladder is difficult to prevent.
Diagnosis of Irritable Bladder



Patient history and physical examination
A “voiding diary,” or record of the time, amount, and circumstances of urination
Catheterization of the bladder to measure the amount of urine remaining after urination, and to document bladder pressure during filling of the bladder (cystometry).
Microscopic examination and culture of urine, to determine if a urinary tract infection underlies the problem.
Q-tip test (evaluates the change in the angle of the urethra at rest and when straining)
Cytoscopy (use of a lighted scope to view the bladder)
Voiding cystogram (an x-ray taken while the patient urinates)
How to Treat Irritable Bladder
When irritable bladder is due to bacterial infection, antibiotics are given.
In some cases bladder control can be regained or improved with a technique known as bladder training. The technique begins by scheduling a bathroom visit every two hours, whether the patient needs to urinate or not. The interval is gradually increased by a half hour at a time, toward a goal of four-hour intervals. In many cases the body adapts to this schedule, eliminating incontinence.
Antispasmodics and other drugs may be prescribed to relax bladder muscles and so prevent uncontrolled contractions of the bladder.
Although adult diapers and pads are widely advocated by advertisers, they may actually promote complications, so they are not recommended for anything but very short-term use unless otherwise advised by a doctor.
When to Call a Doctor
Consult a doctor for any repeated episodes of urinary incontinence.
Sources:
Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies: The Complete Home Medical Reference
Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Editor
- See more at: http://www.healthcommunities.com/urge-incontinence/what-is-irritable-bladder.shtml#sthash.uqtmfQ2D.dpuf

prettymina:
Irritable bladder is a general term for any persistent condition that provokes the muscles in the bladder to contract involuntarily, resulting in a sudden, urgent, uncontrollable need to urinate (urge incontinence). Numerous stimuli can intermittently irritate the bladder and override conscious attempts to inhibit the voiding reflex, sometimes resulting in large-volume accidents that may occur either during the day or while sleeping.
The mechanisms that trigger irritable bladder are sometimes difficult to determine; identifying an underlying cause often leads to effective treatment. Irritable bladder is fairly common, especially among women.
What Causes Irritable Bladder?



Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Nervous tension
Food sensitivities
Bladder stones
Pregnancy
Damage to the nerves that control bladder function, which causes excessive contraction of the bladder.
Obstruction of the outflow of urine, for example, because of a tumor, urethral stricture, or an enlarged prostate.
A reaction to the use of a urinary catheter
In many cases the cause is unknown.
Symptoms of Irritable Bladder
Uncomfortable feeling in abdomen and distention
Sudden, urgent need to urinate
Accidental voiding of urine, sometimes in large volumes
Frequent urination, both during the day and at night



Prevention of Irritable Bladder
Because it is difficult to identify its underlying cause, irritable bladder is difficult to prevent.
Diagnosis of Irritable Bladder



Patient history and physical examination
A “voiding diary,” or record of the time, amount, and circumstances of urination
Catheterization of the bladder to measure the amount of urine remaining after urination, and to document bladder pressure during filling of the bladder (cystometry).
Microscopic examination and culture of urine, to determine if a urinary tract infection underlies the problem.
Q-tip test (evaluates the change in the angle of the urethra at rest and when straining)
Cytoscopy (use of a lighted scope to view the bladder)
Voiding cystogram (an x-ray taken while the patient urinates)
How to Treat Irritable Bladder
When irritable bladder is due to bacterial infection, antibiotics are given.
In some cases bladder control can be regained or improved with a technique known as bladder training. The technique begins by scheduling a bathroom visit every two hours, whether the patient needs to urinate or not. The interval is gradually increased by a half hour at a time, toward a goal of four-hour intervals. In many cases the body adapts to this schedule, eliminating incontinence.
Antispasmodics and other drugs may be prescribed to relax bladder muscles and so prevent uncontrolled contractions of the bladder.
Although adult diapers and pads are widely advocated by advertisers, they may actually promote complications, so they are not recommended for anything but very short-term use unless otherwise advised by a doctor.
When to Call a Doctor
Consult a doctor for any repeated episodes of urinary incontinence.
Sources:
Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies: The Complete Home Medical Reference
Simeon Margolis, M.D., Ph.D., Medical Editor
- See more at: http://www.healthcommunities.com/urge-incontinence/what-is-irritable-bladder.shtml#sthash.uqtmfQ2D.dpuf

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