Women are more likely than men to have urinary incontinence issues. Irritable bladder is a broad term covering any chronic condition that incites the muscles in the bladder to contract involuntarily, causing a sudden, urgent and uncontrollable need to urinate.
Multiple influences can occasionally irritate the bladder and despite conscious efforts to stop the voiding reflex, which can result in accidents sometimes of large amounts.
Symptoms of Irritable Bladder
- Painful or sore feeling in abdomen and distention
- Sudden, urgent and uncontrollable need to urinate
- Accidental urination, sometimes in large volumes
- Frequent urination, (day and night)
Treating Irritable Bladder
If your irritable bladder is due to bacterial infection, antibiotics are given for treatment.
A technique known as bladder training can help improve bladder control and even lead to regained control. You basically create a potty plan by gradually increasing the intervals between voids, toward a goal of four-hour intervals. The body easily adapts to the schedule, eradicating incontinence.
There are antispasmodics and other drugs that can be prescribed to relax bladder muscles and preventing uncontrolled contractions of the bladder.
Adult diapers are recommended only for short-term use because they can promote complications.
Modifying Your Diet
Making some simple changes in your diet can help tremendously. Of course, some foods can irritate the bladder, worsening the overactive bladder. Here’s a list of foods you can eliminate from your diet and see if helps you.
- Caffeine & AlcoholCaffeine and alcohol are bladder stimulants and diuretics, which flushes fluids from the body and increasing urine. Avoid the following: alcohol, coffee, tea, cola, chocolate and energy drinks and bars. Read labels for caffeine content.
- Artificial SweetenersSugar substitutes are bladder irritants. And these artificial sweeteners are found in diet sodas, cereals, sugar-free desserts and most diet foods. Use real sugar to satisfy your occasional sweet tooth.
- Acidic Fruits and Juices
- Citrus FruitsOther acidic foods to avoid include tomatoes, pineapple, cranberries and sour grapes. Choose a non-acid fruit!
- Carbonated BeveragesStay away from fizzy drinks like soda and seltzer. The carbon dioxide is a bladder irritant.
- Spicy FoodsAvoid spicy foods as they can be a trigger for bladder symptoms. Cook without using pepper or hot sauces. While cooked onions are less of a problem, raw onions should not be consumed.
Irritable bladder is more common than you think. It can be life debilitating or just a nuisance. If you have questions about solutions for frequent urination, contact our office about scheduling a well woman visit – https://www.allaboutwomenmd.com/well-women-care/. All About Women can help.
