|
Myrbetriq: Approved for Over Active Bladder
Last
month The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Myrbetriq (mirabegron) to
treat adults with overactive bladder, a condition in which the bladder muscle
cannot be controlled, squeezes too often or squeezes without warning.
Myrbetriq is said to improve the storage capacity of the bladder by relaxing the
bladder muscle during filling. Symptoms of overactive bladder include the need
to urinate too often (urinary frequency), the need to urinate immediately
(urinary urgency), and the involuntary leakage of urine as a result of the need
to urinate immediately (urge urinary incontinence).
According to UCLA Urology, an overactive bladder is caused by involuntary spasms
in the muscles surrounding your bladder. These contractions produce an intense
desire to urinate.
The Mybetriq drug is designed to relax the bladder muscle as the bladder fills,
minimizing the potential symptoms of needing to urinate too often, needing to
urinate immediately or the involuntary leakage of urine.
The drug does carry side effects like,
increased
blood pressure, common cold-like symptoms (nasopharyngitis), urinary tract
infection,
constipation, fatigue, elevated heart rate (tachycardia), and abdominal
pain. Myrbetriq is not recommended for use in those with severe uncontrolled
high blood pressure, end stage kidney disease or severe liver impairment.
Overactive bladder is primarily a problem of the nerves and muscles of
the bladder. Detrusor is one of the major muscles of the bladder. Its
contraction in response to filling of the bladder by urine is one the steps
in the normal process of urination. The contraction and relaxation of the
detrusor muscle is regulated by the nervous system.
Am I a case of Over Active Bladder?
- Getting up to urinate at least three times in the middle of the night
- Increased urinary frequency (urinating at least eight times daily)
- Urinary urgency, and
-
Urinary incontinence
If you seem to be suffering from any one or all of the symptoms then,
consult a doctor.
Bladder Control Exercises
Having a leaking bladder is embarrassing, uncomfortable and unsanitary.
Medication is one option. There are other options to establish better bladder
control like, exercise.
Bladder control exercises can help repair and re-strengthen weakened muscles.
Exercises recommended are:
-
-
-
-
-
Kegel exercises, if done correctly and over an extended period of time,
strengthen those muscles to better support your bladder. A review of studies
from New Zealand found that women who regularly practiced Kegels were up to
17 times more likely to be cured of incontinence symptoms than women who did
not.
Kegel Exercises
The individual contractions of a Kegel workout require you to squeeze the pelvic floor muscles just as you would if you were trying to stop urine flow.
-
Empty your bladder before beginning.
-
Contract the pelvic floor muscles and hold for a count of 10.
-
Relax the muscles completely for a count of 10.
-
Stand and perform 10 of these contractions. Repeat 10 times each while
sitting, and 10 times while reclining, for a total of 30 contractions in a
single exercise routine.
-
Perform your Kegel exercises three times a day, for a total of 90
contractions a day.
Dietary Management of Over Active Bladder
Caffeine may exacerbate urinary urgency and it is potentially an irritant to
the bladder. Eliminating caffeine intake can diminish some of the symptoms of
overactive bladder.
Avoid foods such as chocolate, spicy foods, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and
nuts to prevent symptoms of overactive bladder. Increase the amount of
fiber
in diet. Limit fluid intake to reduce urinary frequency.
Ref:
Dated 09 July 2012
Related Links
|