An overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition that occurs when you feel the need to urinate frequently or are struggling with urine leaks without warning. Even though this is a common condition, it doesn’t mean that you have to live with it. Here are some early warning symptoms of OAB to know about, along with some prevention tips to help you manage the problem:

1. Early signs
Here are a few early symptoms of an overactive bladder:

• Frequent urination
  If you are urinating more than eight times a day or finding it difficult to control the urge to pee, then it is an indication of an overactive bladder. It usually happens due to miscommunication between your bladder and brain. While your brain may signal you to use the bathroom, your bladder may not be ready yet, leading to involuntary contraction of the muscles. It gives you the feeling to pee frequently, even if your bladder isn’t full.
• Nocturia
  Nocturia means that you’re unable to sleep through the night without waking up more than once to use the bathroom. Nocturia, however, is not the same as OAB, as it takes place only at night. You can be suffering from nocturia with or without OAB.
• Incontinence
  An involuntary loss of urine or a sudden urge to urinate can be a sign of an overactive bladder. Simply put, when you want to urinate, you may get little time to go to the bathroom without urine leakage. However, irregular incontinence does not always mean an overactive bladder. There are multiple reasons for urine leakage, such as laughing too hard or holding the urine in for a long time.
• Uncontrollable urge to urinate
  When you are unable to hold your urine for long and feel an urgent need to pee, it can be a symptom of OAB. Often, this urge is extremely strong and can’t be ignored.
• Bladder spasms
  Bladder spasms are characterized by the tightening and contraction of the bladder muscles. They are closely associated with OAB. These may be painful, and if they happen for long, then they can trigger a strong urge to urinate.

2. Prevention
Here are a way ways in which OAB can be prevented:

• Follow a healthy diet
  Supplement your diet with fiber to prevent the risk of bladder irritation. Some fiber-rich foods include oats, almonds, raspberries, lentils, beans, and more. Also consume foods that are high in protein, vitamins, and other essential nutrients.
• Limit your fluid intake
  Another helpful way to counter OAB risk is by avoiding drinking any fluids at least an hour before bed. It will help you sleep with an empty bladder and reduce the urge to wake up in the middle of the night to urinate.
• Watch your weight
  Being overweight can put pressure on your bladder and lead to stress incontinence. It happens when there’s urine leakage following an activity that stresses the bladder, such as laughing, lifting something heavy, or sneezing.
• Stop smoking
  Certain chemicals present in cigarettes can irritate your bladder. They can also cause coughing, which can put pressure on the bladder and cause urine leakage. Consider quitting smoking to avoid OAB symptoms and improve your overall health.