Abstract
Overactive bladder (OAB) is a complex of symptoms frequently encountered in the primary
care setting. Impediments to optimal management of OAB include inaccurate perceptions
on the part of patients and primary care providers, e.g., that the symptoms of OAB
represent a natural progression of aging and are beyond the scope of treatment or
that diagnosis and treatment are specialist concerns. Complicating the physician’s
task is the reluctance of many patients to initiate discussion of their OAB symptoms
and the fact that patients often develop disruptive coping strategies rather than
seek medical treatment, possibly because of a belief that OAB is a normal part of
aging rather than an actual medical condition. In most cases, OAB may be managed quite
well by the primary care physician who has an understanding of the pathophysiology
of OAB. This article reviews normal bladder function and then explores pathophysiologic
changes that likely cause the symptoms of OAB.
Keywords
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© 2006 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
