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If you
are experiencing symptoms of OAB you should not be afraid or embarrassed
to discuss these with your doctor. OAB affects more than 33 million
Americans, making it more common than diabetes and asthma. Discussing
these symptoms with your doctor will help him or her diagnose your
condition and determine which behavioral and/or medical therapy is
right for you. A doctor may utilize a number of diagnostic tools
to determine if an individual is suffering from symptoms of OAB,
including:
- Bladder diary – a 24-hour diary
in which patients record urinary output, average voided volume,
frequency
of voiding and type of incontinent episode as well as the type
and volume of fluid intake
- Cystoscopic examination – a thin tube
and camera is inserted into the urethra enabling the doctor
to see the bladder and urethra
- Urinalysis – a test to identify
evidence of infection, urinary stones or other contributing causes
in a patient’s urine
- Ultrasound – a procedure enabling
the physician to “see” the
kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra
- Stress test – an examination
requiring the patient to relax, then cough vigorously as the doctor
watches for loss of urine
- Urodynamics – an examination to determine bladder
capacity, sphincter condition, urethral pressure and the amount
of urine left in the bladder
after voiding
After your doctor has determined the potential cause
of your OAB you can work together to develop the appropriate course of treatment.
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