[Overactive bladder syndrome. How to manage it].

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a chronic and distressing condition characterized by urinary urgency and increased frequency of micturition with or without urge incontinence. Such symptoms can exert a negative impact on many aspects of quality of life, including social function and interaction, physical activity and psychological well-being. In a survey of some 4500 people aged more than 40 years old in Japan, the prevalence of OAB was 12.4%. Even though OAB is prevalent and troublesome, many patients with OAB never seek medical help for their symptoms because of embarrassment and misconception about bladder control problems. Thus, it is important to broaden the actual knowledge about OAB among community-based people. We hope that this citizen joint symposium would help the participants to understand the useful information about OAB.