Overactive Bladder (OAB)

Overactive Bladder Syndrome (OAB) is a clinical entity characterised by urgency, with or without increased urinary frequency and/or urgency incontinence. It is a chronic condition with a high prevalence that increases with age, thus being a growing health problem especially in developed countries due to increased life expectancy. Patients with this disorder are often reluctant to seek advice due to embarassment, fear of social exclusion or the belief that symptoms are an expected consequence of ageing. Costs associated with treatments, use of pads/diapers and general economic burden are expected to increase in the future. OAB has a negative impact on quality of life (QoL) in varying degrees, depending upon the severity of symptoms and the presence of urgency incontinence. It has been linked to increased risk of fractures, institutionalisation and depression in older populations particularly prone to the development of OAB. This books discusses the prevalence, risk factors and management options available for OAB.