Question 5: Urinary Incontinence

Question 1

What are the causes of Overactive Bladder (OAB)?

Answer 1

Neurological causes: Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, Spinal Cord Injury.

Bladder causes: Detrusor overactivity, bladder outlet obstruction, UTIs, cystitis, bladder stones, tumors, interstitial cystitis.

Other factors: Spicy food, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, obesity, diabetes.

Question 2

What side-room investigations are used for OAB?

Answer 2

Urine dipstick: Checks for leukocytes, nitrites, and hematuria to help diagnose UTI or bladder stones.

Bladder ultrasound (Post-void residual): Assesses bladder emptying and rules out retention-related overflow incontinence or bladder stones.

Question 3

How is OAB managed?

Answer 3

Bladder training (timed voiding): Increases bladder capacity and reduces urgency.
Lifestyle modification: Healthy diet, reduce fluid intake (especially before bed).

Medications: Anticholinergics (e.g., oxybutynin) and beta-3 agonists (e.g., mirabegron) to relax the bladder and reduce urgency.