Overactive Bladder Cases Surge in Mangalore: Lifestyle and Aging Behind the Rise, Say ExpertAn estimated 30,000 residents affected in 2025, with women comprising 70% of cases

Mangalore - Overactive Bladder (OAB) is emerging as a growing public health concern in Mangalore, with recent estimates suggesting that by the end of 2025, nearly 30,000 residents will be affected by the condition. Women make up a striking 70 percent of these cases, reflecting both national and global trends that show a higher prevalence of OAB among aging and postmenopausal females.

Although specific government data for Mangalore is currently unavailable, clinical trends and hospital records indicate a 25 percent increase in OAB-related consultations over the past two years. The surge is attributed to a range of contributing factors—most notably poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and increasing life expectancy.

Overactive Bladder is not a disease in itself but a symptom complex that includes a frequent and urgent need to urinate, often accompanied by incontinence and nocturia. According to recent studies, nearly 60 percent of women with OAB in Mangalore report symptoms of urgency and frequency, while 40 percent experience nocturia, which is the need to wake at least twice during the night to urinate. These symptoms, while not life-threatening, have a significant impact on sleep quality, emotional well-being, and daily functioning.

The rise in OAB cases in urban India has been strongly linked to lifestyle-related risk factors. In Mangalore, a city witnessing rapid urbanization and changing dietary patterns, the effects are already visible. The increased intake of caffeine and carbonated beverages, reduced physical activity, and a spike in chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity have all contributed to the growing prevalence of bladder-related disorders. Additionally, hormonal changes following menopause, pelvic floor damage post-childbirth, and recurring urinary tract infections further increase vulnerability among women.

Medical experts in the city are voicing concerns over the underreporting of symptoms, especially among women, where social stigma and lack of awareness still prevent many from seeking timely help. In many cases, OAB is dismissed as a normal part of aging rather than a manageable condition requiring medical attention.

According to Dr. Prashanth Adiga, Professor & HOD, Father Muller Hospital, Mangalore, “We are seeing a clear increase in Overactive Bladder cases, especially among women above 45. The good news is that many of these cases can be effectively managed through lifestyle modifications like weight management, pelvic floor strengthening, and bladder training, provided they are identified early.”

Despite the challenges, Mangalore’s healthcare system is stepping up its response. Local hospitals and clinics are integrating newer diagnostic tools and offering a combination of conservative and medical treatments, including behavioral therapies, physical therapy, and pharmacologic solutions.

With approximately 30,000 residents projected to be affected by OAB in 2025, the need for early education, public awareness campaigns, and destigmatization is critical. Encouraging people to recognize symptoms early and adopt healthier habits could significantly improve quality of life for thousands across the city.

References

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