Via practica 2/2024

Overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a non-specific complex of annoying symptoms associated with urine storage with a relatively poorly defined pathophysiology, but with a significant negative impact on quality of life. The article presents a current view of the etiopathogenesis, risk factors and treatment options for OAB. It is necessary to rule out several organic causes of bladder hyperactivity. On the basis of increasing knowledge, new ways of improving diagnosis and improving treatment results are constantly being sought. Minimum diagnostic requirements must be met to initiate non-invasive (especially drug) therapy. In the future, a more efficient, individualized management adapted to a more exact phenotyping of patients will probably be promoted much more, and a greater application of combined treatment using modern pharmacotherapy and new technologies is also expected.

Keywords: overactive bladder, etiopathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment