An overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition wherein a person has an abnormal urge to urinate frequently. Contrary to popular belief, an overactive bladder is a group of urinary symptoms and not a single disease. In severe cases, one may even experience urine incontinence that can lead to urine leaks. There are several ways that a doctor may suggest to treat an overactive bladder or relieve its symptoms. These may range from behavioral changes and medications to nerve stimulation or neuromodulation. Here are some techniques that you can use to manage symptoms of an overactive bladder so as to lead a normal lifestyle:

• Keeping a track
  It is suggested that you observe and keep a note of your fluid intake, the frequency with which you need to urinate, and leaking accidents if they do occur. It also helps to keep a track of the reasons behind incidents of urine incontinence, such as coughing, sneezing, and more. Maintaining a bladder diary can help the doctor know your symptoms better.

• Avoiding foods and drinks that irritate the bladder
  There may be several ingredients in your diet that can worsen your bladder situation by altering the amount of water your body retains. Foods such as alcohol, chocolate, spicy condiments, aerated beverages, snacks containing artificial sweeteners, and caffeine are known to worsen the symptoms of an overactive bladder and hence, should be actively avoided.
• Hydrating sufficiently
  This may sound counter-productive to reducing the frequency of urination but it is recommended that people with an overactive bladder drink a healthy amount of fluids throughout the day. While it is true that drinking a lot of water may increase the frequency of urination, it is not healthy to consume less than the required amount of fluids. Reducing the consumption of fluids results in the formation of highly concentrated urine. This ultimately causes irritation to the inner lining of the urinary bladder, thereby triggering the desire to empty the bladder quickly.

• Losing extra weight
  It is observed that people who are heavier in weight have higher chances of developing an overactive bladder. Being overweight is an indication of excess fat being stored in the body that may add pressure on the bladder, resulting in bladder control problems. Hence, if someone with excess weight is suffering from an overactive bladder, then they may be asked to drop a few pounds to manage the condition better and also avoid other health conditions.
• Practising bladder training
  Bladder training is the process of preparing and strengthening your bladder muscles to hold urine better. It involves setting a timetable for urination, establishing a healthy and sustainable voiding interval, and slowly trying to broaden the time between each urination. This can be especially helpful if you have to go to work regularly, as it may help in establishing a routine that you can stick to, without it interfering with your work. The doctor may also recommend incorporating some pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) into your routine to strengthen your bladder muscles.