Overactive bladder: Recognition requires vigilance for symptoms

Matt T. Rosenberg; Milton M. Lakin; David R. Staskin; Matt T. Rosenberg; Diane K. Newman; Christopher T. Tallman; Shari A. Page

ABSTRACT

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a prevalent condition in both men and women that imposes significant burdens on the patient and his or her quality of life. Nevertheless, only a small percentage of patients with OAB receive diagnosis and treatment. The identification of OAB is well within the scope of the primary care provider, as it is symptom-based and does not generally require specialized testing. The treatment of OAB relies on behavioral modification and/or pharmacologic options, primarily antimuscarinic therapy. Better identification of OAB symptoms in the primary care setting should reduce the number of patients suffering from untreated OAB.

Footnotes

↵* Milton M. Lakin, MD, has received consulting fees and honoraria from Pfizer and Eli Lilly/ICOS for consulting, teaching/speaking, and advisory board membership. He also reported having stock ownership interest in Pfizer and Eli Lilly.
↵** David R. Staskin, MD, has received honoraria from ESPRIT Pharma, Novartis, Pfizer, Ortho-McNeil, Watson Pharmaceuticals, and Astellas Pharma for teaching/speaking.
↵* Dr. Rosenberg reported that he has received consulting fees and honoraria from Indevus Pharmaceuticals/ESPRIT Pharma, Pfizer, and GlaxoSmithKline for consulting, teaching/speaking, and serving on advisory committees; honoraria and consulting fees from Verathon Medical for consulting and serving on advisory committees; honoraria from Eli Lilly and Auxilium Pharmaceuticals for teaching/speaking; a research grant from Sanofi-Aventis; and consulting fees and honoraria from Ortho-McNeil for consulting and teaching/ speaking. Ms. Newman reported that she has received honoraria from Watson Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Astellas Pharma, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, and SCA Personal Care for teaching/speaking, as well as for serving on an advisory committee (for Watson) and for consulting (for SCA Personal Care). Mr. Tallman and Ms. Page reported that they have no financial relationships that pose a potential conflict of interest with this article.