What is the difference between overactive bladder and urinary tract infection (UTI)?
Overactive bladder is a chronic medical condition characterized by urgency – the sudden and sometimes uncomfortable need to urinate, which is difficult to put off or defer. This can occur at any time during the day or night, and may or may not result in leaking of urine. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder or the kidneys. While both overactive bladder and UTI sufferers experience a strong and persistent urge to urinate, the difference is that overactive bladder is a chronic medical condition and a UTI is generally an acute and uncomfortable infection that is curable with a course of antibiotics. Treatment for overactive bladder and a UTI is different. For patients experiencing symptoms of a UTI, the recommended first-line treatment is a course of antibiotics. Treatment options for overactive bladder may include lifestyle and behavioural changes, exercise, and if required, medications.
