FACTS ABOUT URINARY INCONTINENCE

Did you know that 3 of 10 adults are affected by incontinence at some point in their lives? prevetion of urinary incontinence naturally is the most desirable approach to seek a solution. Incontinence is the term used to describe the loss of bladder control or inability to hold urine for the normal amount of time. This condition is either temporary or can be persistent. Its severity ranges from occasional urine leak when you cough or sneeze to having a strong, sudden urge to urinate that you do not get to the toilet in time.

Types of incontinence

Stress incontinence where urine leaks due to exertion of pressure on the bladder through coughing, sneezing, and even laughing.

Urge incontinence is where there’s a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine.

Overflow incontinence occurs when urine leaks from a bladder too full due to an inability to empty it.

Functional incontinence that happens due to physical or mental impairment that keeps one from making it to the toilet in time, such as severe arthritis.

It is caused by day-to-day habits, underlying medical conditions, or physical problems. Temporary incontinence is due to Bladder stimulants that act like diuretics (drugs that help in water excretion by the kidneys) that will increase urine volume such as alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, chili pepper, sparkling water, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, heart and blood pressure meds, sedatives, and muscle relaxants.Urinary tract infections can irritate your bladder and cause you to have strong urges to urinate, sometimes incontinence. These are easily treatable.

Constipation – Hard, compacted stool in the rectum causes nerves to overreact and increase the frequency of urination.

Persistent incontinence is associated with pregnancy, childbirth, age, and menopause; hence, it is common in women. It is also due to prostate issues such as enlargement and cancer of prostate, tumor anywhere along the urinary tract causing overflow incontinence, urinary stones also and neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, brain tumor or spinal injury can interfere with communication for nerves controlling the bladder and cause incontinence.

Most people are usually embarrassed about the condition; however, with proper care and management, it is easy to lead a very normal life.

Symptoms.

Occasional minor leaks of urine or loss of small to moderate amounts of urine are the key symptoms.

RISK FACTORS

Gender. Females are more susceptible to this condition due to childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, and their anatomy. Men with prostate gland problems are also at increased risk for urge incontinence

Age. As the years go by, the bladder and urethra muscles lose some of their strength. These changes reduce how much a bladder can hold and increase the possibility of involuntary urine release.

Overweight people. Extra weight will increase pressure on the bladder and surrounding muscles, which can weaken them and allow urine leakage in case of cough, sneeze, or laugh.

Diseases. Diabetes and some neurological diseases increase the risk of incontinence.

COMPLICATIONS

Social life – Incontinence makes one uncomfortable in social situations and affects work life and personal relationships. As mentioned earlier, incontinence makes one feel embarrassed, and this has a net negative effect on their self-esteem and quality of life.

Skin problems – The skin can develop rashes, infections, and sores from constant wet skin and the pH of urine.

Urinary tract infections. Incontinence increases the risk of repeated UTIs.

MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION

Incontinence is an easily manageable condition. Management aims to reduce or eliminate the leakage and improve the quality of life. It is not a life-threatening condition, and thus, with a few adjustments, it is possible to live normally without any discomfort.

Fluid intake management. This involves adjusting the amount and timing of fluid intake. Involves avoiding too many fluids and irritants like caffeine and alcohol, especially before bedtime.

Smoking cessation. Coughing is associated with smoking, which can worsen stress incontinence.

Bladder training, primarily for urge incontinence. Involves gradually increasing the time between scheduled trips to the toilet.

Medications. They treat urge incontinence and overactive bladder and work by relaxing bladder muscles or preventing nerve signals that will cause bladder contractions. They are bought on prescription and they include oxybutynin, tamsulosin, and imipramine among others.

Neuromodulation devices are implanted or used to send mild impulses through nerves supplying the bladder and help to control bladder function.

Urethral inserts: Small, tampon-like devices that women can insert into the urethra to prevent leakage during activities and are removed to urinate.

Adult diapers that help manage leakage and maintain dryness and comfort.

Bed liners and Mackintosh wear. These will play a supportive role in managing incontinence by maintaining hygiene, comfort, and the longevity of the beddings and furniture by preventing contact with moisture.

You can purchase a bed liner, adult diaper, or a mackintosh online at: https://deliverypharmacyke.com/products-listing.html?search=duomed.

Prevention measures of incontinence, especially temporary incontinence, include;

Maintaining a healthy weight, exercise, and proper dieting are essential in preventing incontinence and can include;

Practicing pelvic floor exercises helps strengthen the bladder and urethral muscles and improve bladder control. It involves squeezing and relaxing pelvic floor muscles multiple times a day.

Avoiding bladder irritants,

Eating more fiber to prevent constipation, which is a cause of urinary incontinence.