Overactive Bladder affects 33 million Americans
By Andrew Gaeddert
Patients with overactive bladder typically have a variety of symptoms including urinary urgency nocturia, and urge incontinence. It typically affects up to 40 percent of people seventy-five years of age or older. As urination is a complex process patients should been examined and tested to rule out infections and other conditions. Patients should be counseled to limit caffeine and other diuretics, and should plan fluid intake so that it does not disrupt sleep or other activities. Pelvic exercises and avoiding constipation are also important.
Although there are medications available they are not very effective and produce side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, gastroesophageal reflux, urinary retention and cognitive problems.
As long as there is no acute infection, herbal solutions should work well. Astra Essence is a balanced formula suitable for most overactive bladder/incontinence, whereas Virility Caps is suitable for individuals who have kidney yang deficiency. In rare cases we have combined the formulas for maximum results.
Overactive Bladder Update
By Andrew Gaeddert
Overactive bladder affects over thirty million Americans, the herbal formulas Astra Essence and Virility Caps can be helpful. Although best known for its role in cognitive support, vinpocetine may be another promising option. Nineteen subjects who did not respond to drug therapy were given 5 mg per day of vinpocetine for two weeks, and 10 mg per day for another two weeks. In eleven subjects clinical symptoms and/or holding and storage of urine were improved; in three of the subjects there was a slight improvement1.
Notes
- Truss MC, Stief CG, Uckert S et al. Initial clinical experience with the selective phosphodiesterase- I isoenzyme inhibitor vinpoceine in the treatment of urge incontinence and low compliance bladder. World Journal of Urology. 2000, Dec;18(6):439-43.
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