An overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to urinate many times during the day and night. Some people may also experience urine leakage even while doing everyday activities, such as bending, lifting, or exercising. An overactive bladder can cause a lot of embarrassment and limit your work and social life.

1. Symptoms of OAB
It is important to watch out for these early warning symptoms and make necessary lifestyle changes to deal with the condition.

• Urgent need to urinate
  This is a common warning sign or symptom of an overactive bladder. You may feel the need to urinate urgently and have to rush to the washroom.
• Frequent urination
  If you feel the urge to urinate multiple times during the day and night, then you may have an overactive bladder. In simple terms, there is a noticeable increase in the number of times you go to the washroom to pass urine in a day. According to experts, urinating more than seven times a day can be a sign of an overactive bladder.
• Nocturia
  This is a condition in which you have to wake up a couple of times during the night to urinate. While high fluid intake in the evening hours can be a reason behind this, it can also happen because of OAB.
• Urine leakage
  Many times, a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate can cause urine leakage in those with an overactive bladder. If you have been experiencing involuntary and uncontrollable urine leakage as soon as you stand up, then it may be because of an overactive bladder.

2. Ways to manage OAB
Below are a few lifestyle changes that can help you deal with the early warning symptoms of an overactive bladder:

• Cut down on beverages
  Tea, coffee, and soft drinks may aggravate the symptoms of an overactive bladder. Try to cut down on their consumption or avoid them completely till the condition improves. The diuretic nature of caffeine can increase urine output.
• Avoid or limit alcohol intake
  Consuming alcohol often may aggravate the symptoms of an overactive bladder. If you are experiencing this condition, then limit or avoid alcohol completely.
• Consume the right amount of fluids
  Drink normal amounts of water and fresh fruit juices. Do not cut down on these drastically to prevent your bladder from filling up quickly. According to experts, not drinking enough fluids will make the urine dense and irritate your bladder more. You must drink six to eight glasses of fluids every day.
• Strengthen your pelvic floor muscles
  You must do Kegel exercises to tighten and strengthen pelvic floor muscles. These exercises can also help alleviate the symptoms of an overactive bladder.
• Maintain a healthy weight
  You must exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight to ease the symptoms of this condition.

If you are experiencing even one of these early warning symptoms of an overactive bladder, then make the necessary lifestyle changes immediately to prevent the condition from worsening. If the problem is severe, then consult a health expert without delay.