The bladder collects urine from the kidneys and expels it when it is full. If a bladder is overactive, a person cannot control when they choose to urinate, and the number of times they urinate during the day. The condition occurs when a person’s bladder squeezes frequently or without warning. As a result, they may […]
https://moreliaclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FINAL-MORELIA-LOGO1.png00adminhttps://moreliaclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FINAL-MORELIA-LOGO1.pngadmin2021-11-01 21:36:432021-11-01 21:36:44What can I do about an overactive bladder?
Halloween is a favorite fall celebration in the United States and elsewhere in the world. This year, however, the COVID-19 pandemic poses some challenges for enthusiasts of this holiday. How can you have fun and still stay safe this Halloween? Halloween is the time of the year when many fall enthusiasts drink pumpkin spice lattes, […]
https://moreliaclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FINAL-MORELIA-LOGO1.png00adminhttps://moreliaclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FINAL-MORELIA-LOGO1.pngadmin2021-10-25 15:59:242021-10-25 15:59:25How to stay safe while having fun this Halloween
The bladder collects urine from the kidneys and expels it when it is full. If a bladder is overactive, a person cannot control when they choose to urinate, and the number of times they urinate during the day. The condition occurs when a person’s bladder squeezes frequently or without warning. As a result, they may […]
https://moreliaclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FINAL-MORELIA-LOGO1.png00adminhttps://moreliaclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FINAL-MORELIA-LOGO1.pngadmin2021-11-01 21:36:432021-11-01 21:36:44What can I do about an overactive bladder?
Halloween is a favorite fall celebration in the United States and elsewhere in the world. This year, however, the COVID-19 pandemic poses some challenges for enthusiasts of this holiday. How can you have fun and still stay safe this Halloween? Halloween is the time of the year when many fall enthusiasts drink pumpkin spice lattes, […]
https://moreliaclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FINAL-MORELIA-LOGO1.png00adminhttps://moreliaclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FINAL-MORELIA-LOGO1.pngadmin2021-10-25 15:59:242021-10-25 15:59:25How to stay safe while having fun this Halloween
The bladder collects urine from the kidneys and expels it when it is full. If a bladder is overactive, a person cannot control when they choose to urinate, and the number of times they urinate during the day.
The condition occurs when a person’s bladder squeezes frequently or without warning. As a result, they may have to use the bathroom more frequently or urine may leak out.
The condition is usually the result of miscommunication between the brain and the bladder. The brain signals to the bladder that it is time to squeeze and empty, but the bladder isn’t full. As a result, the bladder starts to contract. This causes a strong urge to urinate.
While the condition may be common, it doesn’t have to mean a person has to live with the symptoms. Many treatments are available that can help people reduce their symptoms.
Symptoms
An overactive bladder will cause a group of symptoms, all of which can affect a person’s quality of life.
An overactive bladder may cause a number of different symptoms including urinating more than eight times a day and leaking urine when the need to urinate arises.
Examples of these symptoms include:
Frequency of urination: A person will urinate more than eight times a day.
Nocturia: A person cannot sleep through the night without waking up to urinate, usually one to two times.
Urinary urgency: A person will experience a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate.
Urge incontinence: A person will leak urine when they experience the urge to urinate.
A person with an overactive bladder may often feel like they can’t completely empty their bladder. They may use the restroom and then feel like they need to go again a very short time after.
Doctors divide overactive bladder into two types based on their symptoms. The first type is overactive bladder, dry. According to Cedars-Sinai Hospital, an estimated two-thirds of people with overactive bladder have the dry variety.
The second type is overactive bladder, wet. A person with this condition experiences a leaking bladder. Those with overactive bladder, dry, do not have the leaking symptoms.
Risk factors
Some patients may pass off their overactive bladder symptoms as a natural part of getting older. However, aging isn’t the only risk factor that could increase a person’s risk of experiencing an overactive bladder.
Additional risk factors include:
nerve damage due to a history of surgery
trauma to the upper body or pelvis that damages the bladder
having a condition known as normal pressure hydrocephalus, a cause of dementia
having a urinary tract infection
history of bladder or prostate cancer
history of bladder stones
history of conditions that affect neurological function, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or stroke
having gone through menopause
eating a diet high in foods that make the bladder more “irritable” or likely to be overactive
Examples of the types of foods that can make the bladder overactive include caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
A doctor may not be able to say why a person is experiencing overactive bladder symptoms. The symptoms can seem to occur spontaneously.
When to see a doctor
Although overactive bladder isn’t thought to be a life-threatening condition, the condition can greatly affect a person’s quality of life. Many treatments are available to lessen symptoms, although doctors can’t cure the condition.
Waking up at night to use the bathroom may be a sign of an overactive bladder. If symptoms persist, it may be advised to visit a healthcare professional.
Examples of signs that a person should seek treatment for an overactive bladder include when:
a person cannot sleep throughout the night without waking up to go to the bathroom
a person uses the restroom more than eight times per day
a person frequently experiences sudden urges to urinate and rarely makes it to the bathroom
a person experiences urine leakage regularly
A person may sometimes experience these symptoms and yet not realize the degree to which they have them. There are several tools that can help assess the likelihood that the symptoms may be related to overactive bladder.
Examples of these tools include:
An online quiz regarding overactive bladder symptoms and severity, which is offered by the American Urological Association.
A “bladder diary” that a person can keep of the foods and drinks they consume plus how often they go to the bathroom and have symptoms, such as urinary urgency and incontinence.
Smartphone apps, which a person can download that help them keep a bladder diary by tracking how much they drink, number of trips to the restroom, and urinary leakages that occur.
Using these tools can help track the regularity of someone’s symptoms and sometimes confirm that symptoms are cause for concern.
However, a person should always see their physician if they are having bladder symptoms they are worried about.
Lifestyle remedies
Some foods and drinks are known to contribute to bladder irritation. As a result, making lifestyle changes can help a person reduce the likelihood they will experience overactive bladder symptoms.
Limiting the intake of alcohol and caffeine as well as stopping smoking may be recommended lifestyle changes.
Examples of steps to take include:
Limiting intake of caffeine and alcohol, which can stimulate the bladder.
Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess weight can place too much pressure on a person’s bladder.
Increasing fiber intake, which can reduce the risk of constipation and the likelihood of an overactive bladder.
Adjusting fluid intake so that a person doesn’t drink as much fluid in the evening. This helps to decrease the likelihood of them waking up overnight with the need to urinate.
Stopping smoking, as smoke can be irritating to the bladder.
Medical treatment
A doctor can recommend many treatments for overactive bladder, including medications, dietary changes, and physical therapy. Rarely, a doctor may recommend more invasive measures to treat the condition.
Doctors can prescribe a number of medications to treat an overactive bladder. These medications are usually known as antispasmodics or anticholinergics. They reduce the incidence of muscle spasms, such as the spasms in the bladder.
Examples of these medications include:
oxybutynin (Ditropan)
solfienacin (Vesicare)
tolterodine (Detrol)
trospium (Sanctura)
These medications are not without their side effects, such as dry mouth and constipation. People should always talk to their doctor regarding potential side effects.
Therapy treatments
A number of therapy treatments exist for overactive bladder. One example is bladder training. This is a method used to strengthen the muscles of the bladder by delaying voiding. Bladder training should only be done with the advice and direction of a physician.
Pelvic floor exercises and vaginal weight training are also therapy methods used to strengthen the bladder muscles. Specialists, called pelvic floor therapists, can instruct a person through these exercises.
More invasive approaches
Doctors are using injections of botulinum toxin (such as BOTOX) to reduce muscle spasms to the bladder. However, this may require further injections after a few months as the toxin wears off.
If a person’s overactive bladder does not respond to medications, therapy, or other non-invasive treatments, a doctor may recommend surgery.
One example is the implantation of a sacral nerve stimulator. This stimulator can help to control the nerve impulses to the bladder, making the muscles less overactive.
Another option is a procedure known as augmentation cytoplasty. This involves replacing portions of a person’s bladder with bowel tissue. As a result, a person’s bladder is better able to tolerate a larger volume of urine.
https://moreliaclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FINAL-MORELIA-LOGO1.png00adminhttps://moreliaclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FINAL-MORELIA-LOGO1.pngadmin2021-11-01 21:36:432021-11-01 21:36:44What can I do about an overactive bladder?
Halloween is a favorite fall celebration in the United States and elsewhere in the world. This year, however, the COVID-19 pandemic poses some challenges for enthusiasts of this holiday. How can you have fun and still stay safe this Halloween?
Halloween is the time of the year when many fall enthusiasts drink pumpkin spice lattes, watch favorite horror flicks, and go trick-or-treating. Every year, people around the U.S. and the world throw costume parties to celebrate this holiday, taking the opportunity to spend some quality time with friends and family.
This year, however, the COVID-19 pandemic has made celebrating Halloween more complicated, as social gatherings can facilitate the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the disease.
Despite this, some data suggest that many people in the U.S. have not let the pandemic deter them from their yearly Halloween preparations.
According to a Statista projection from September 2021, planned nationwide expenses for Halloween costumes amount to $3.3 billion. Estimates also indicate another $3.2 billion on Halloween decorations and $3 billion on candy.
So how can people stay safe while still enjoying this favorite fall holiday? In this Special Feature, we look at some best practices and offer tips for health, safety, and fun.
We have based our suggestions on official guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Article highlights:
Handling and offering treats
Trick-or-treating and costume parties may be the best-loved Halloween activities, but they typically involve close contact with many people from different households. This can facilitate the transmission of the coronavirus.
For example, if someone who has unknowingly contracted SARS-CoV and has not experienced any symptoms engages in regular social activities, they might be putting others at risk.
The first and most important step to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 is by getting vaccinated, and the CDC advises everyone who is able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to do so.
The best way to stay safe this Halloween is to avoid contact with people from other households, which might mean avoiding trick-or-treating and attending parties with individuals you do not share a living space with.
However, there are some ways people who want to make the most of this fall festivity can mitigate the risks.
If children go treat-or-tricking, they must avoid coming into direct contact with other treat-or-trickers or with any adults offering them treats.
They must also try to keep at least 6 feet away from other children and adults who do not live with them and carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content to use frequently.
Adults may want to supervise children as they use hand sanitizer and use it frequently themselves.
Additionally, always wash hands before and after handling any treats or treat bags destined for children from other households.
Children must also wash their hands thoroughly before they eat any candy received while treat-or-tricking.
Costumes and face coverings
One of the most important aspects of Halloween is, of course, wearing costumes.
Both adults and children may want to incorporate a face covering — covering the nose and mouth — into their outfit during any treat-or-tricking activities or any other activities where they might encounter people who do not form part of their household, particularly in areas where the risk of viral transmission remains high.
Healthline’s former chief medical officer, Dr. Hanh Le, advises that: “For this Halloween, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, costumes that have a mask that covers the mouth and nose area are likely the safest, and costumes that are either disposable or washable will most likely decrease your risk of contamination in the future.”
However, a regular costume mask may not provide the necessary protection against the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, so it is best to follow CDC guidelines on choosing an appropriate mask.
You may also want to avoid wearing a cloth face covering under a costume mask, because it could get in the way of breathing freely.
Organizing or attending festivities
The safest way to celebrate this Halloween is with people from your own household.
Pumpkin carving, wearing fun costumes, and participating in traditional Halloween games can be just as fun in smaller, more intimate circles as they are in larger social gatherings.
However, for those choosing to celebrate with individuals outside their households, here is some advice on staying safe and minimizing the risk of transmitting the virus.
According to medical experts, one way of minimizing transmission during a social gathering is by holding it in an outdoor space.
Dr. Hanh Le explains why:
“When organizing Halloween get-togethers, it is advisable to plan them outdoors if possible, because [spacing] people out in an open outdoor setting is the best way to prevent person-to-person transmission. Gathering a lot of people together in small confined spaces — especially if it’s loud and people [need] to lean in to hear each other — is a recipe for disaster for widespread [SARS-CoV-2] transmission among all your guests.”
Additionally, make sure to ventilate any indoor spaces used during a holiday gathering.
Hosts who wish to organize a get-together should limit the number of guests and ensure that everyone is familiar with and willing to follow current safety guidelines.
Some hosts may choose to provide disposable face masks, hand sanitizer, and tissues to their guests if they cannot bring their own.
For extra safety, you may want to place tables and chairs to allow for physical distancing between guests from different households. When it comes to cutlery, plates, and drinking cups, using disposable ones may be the safest option.
Providing individual sachets or pots of sauce, condiments, and salad dressings is also safer than passing around one container that everyone will handle.
Some hosts may suggest that guests bring their own food and drink to avoid sharing with others. Where this is not possible, limit contact with shared items or surfaces.
If people from different households cannot keep at least 6 feet apart from others, they should wear face coverings.
Hosts and guests alike must remember to wash their hands thoroughly before handling shared items or serving or eating food.
Finally, and most importantly, if you feel unwell or think you may have had exposure to a virus, please avoid all social gatherings to keep your friends and family safe.
Safe Halloween 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemc. Halloween pumpkins with face mask
https://moreliaclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FINAL-MORELIA-LOGO1.png00adminhttps://moreliaclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/FINAL-MORELIA-LOGO1.pngadmin2021-10-25 15:59:242021-10-25 15:59:25How to stay safe while having fun this Halloween
