Management of fluid intake in patients with overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome is a prevalent condition that affects millions of people worldwide. There is no curative treatment, and management is aimed at reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Conservative treatment is first-line therapy for OAB sufferers, including lifestyle interventions, bladder training, and pelvic floor exercises. The evidence for lifestyle interventions in the form of fluid manipulation, weight reduction, and smoking cessation is limited. However, these interventions are cheap and simple and have health benefits. Until recently, the advice regarding fluid manipulation, in terms of volume and type, has been controversial. Increasing evidence suggests that reducing fluid intake can improve OAB symptoms, with a general consensus that caffeine reduction may be beneficial. Further clinical trials are needed on fluid manipulation in terms of the types of fluids drank, the timing of fluid intake, and the effects of exercise and outside ambient temperature on OAB symptoms.