Incontinence

Urinary incontinence can result from bladder stones or tumors, urinary tract infections, and reaction to medications. Other causes include damage to the brain or spinal cord due to injury or disease, cancer of the prostate, and weak pelvic muscles.

Symptoms of incontinence include:

urine leaks during a sneeze, laugh, or cough
• urine leaks when lifting or running
• not enough time to reach a toilet once the urge to urinate is felt
• urine continues to dribble after urinating
• urine leakage follows an intense desire to empty the bladder and
• continual leakage of urine

Kinds of incontinence:

• STRESS incontinence is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles.Periodic leakage occurs during a sudden physical strain. This commonly occurs after childbirth, with obesity, or normal aging.
• OVERFLOW incontinence occurs in chronic urine retention when the bladder is always full. Dribbling is constant. An obstruction, such as an enlarged prostate gland, causes this.
• URGE incontinence is the inability to suppress a sudden urge to urinate. A sudden change in position may start the urination that continues until the bladder is empty.
• TOTAL incontinence is constant leakage. A complete lack of bladder control prevents urine retention.

Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. Taking drugs to treat infections results in a quick decrease in symptoms. Pelvic muscle exercises can provide steady improvement in those with mild urine loss.

Many people may benefit from exercises known as Kegel exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. To do these, pretend that you are trying to stop from passing gas. Squeeze the muscles you would use. Hold for a count of 3. Relax for 3 counts and then repeat as many times as you are able. Practice the exercises while doing other things, such as watching television, riding in a car, or making a meal. Do not practice these while you are urinating, because they could actually weaken the muscles. Pelvic floor exercises, like most exercises, should be a lifelong practice.

Drug therapy or minor surgery may get rid of the problem for many older adults. Pads may be used to prevent wetting of clothing. In severe cases, an internal or external urinary catheter may be used.

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