Via practica 2/2011

Overactive bladder syndrome and urinary incontinence

Overactive bladder is one of the most common causes of chronic complaints and impaired quality of life in developed countries. The paper deals with the initial, basic and specialized diagnosis. The differential diagnosis involves consideration of serious oncological, neurological as well as metabolic diseases showing the symptoms of overactive bladder. Special attention is paid to the diagnosis in elderly female patients where emphasis is placed on the need for assistance and individual diagnostic approaches. The social aspects of overactive bladder syndrome and the attitudes of society toward women suffering from the syndrome of lower urinary tract dysfunction are discussed.

Keywords: overactive bladder, urgent incontinence, social aspects of urinary incontinence