Temporary Versus Persistent Urinary Incontinence
Certain drinks, foods and medications may stimulate the bladder by acting as a diuretic. This increases the volume of your urine and may cause temporary incontinence. This includes alcohol, carbonated or caffeine containing drinks. Foods high in spice, sugar or acid like chillies, citrus fruits and chocolate. Some diabetes, heart and blood pressure medications, muscle relaxants and high dose vitamin C may also have the same effect. Other causes of temporary urinary incontinence are urinary tract infections and constipation, as the straining to empty your bowels can weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
Urinary incontinence can also be more persistent if caused by an underlying physical problem or changes to your body, such as:
In women
- Hormonal changes and increased foetal weight during pregnancy
- Weakened muscles and damaged bladder nerves after childbirth
- A dropped or prolapsed pelvic floor
- Any surgery that involves the womans reproductive system, including hysterectomy
- Hormonal changes such as in menopause
In men
- Prostate enlargement which can affect the normal flow or the urine
- Prostate cancer
In both women and men
- Age-related changes, including decreased storage capacity and involuntary contractions of the bladder
- Obstruction, for example kidney stones or a tumour that is blocking the normal flow of urine
- Neurological disorders, such as Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal injury, or a brain tumour
Types Of Urinary Incontinence
Stress incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence is the most common type of urinary incontinence. This is not caused by emotional stress but by strain on the bladder like jumping, bending, lifting, exercise, and even coughing or sneezing. Being overweight can also strain the bladder. If you have weak pelvic floor muscles, this strain can cause urine to leak. It can be a small amount of urine or just a few drops.
Stress incontinence is more likely to occur in women.
Overflow incontinence
Overflow incontinence occurs when the body makes more urine than the bladder can hold. This may also occur if the bladder is full and cant empty, which causes it to leak. The bladder muscle may not squeeze as it should or something might be blocking the flow. Overflow incontinence causes frequent urinating in small amounts and constant dribbling.
This type is more common in men and is often associated with prostate surgery or prostate problems.
Also known as urge or urgency incontinence, this condition causes the bladder muscles to contract and signal a need to urinate even if the bladder is empty. It causes an overwhelming urge to urinate immediately and may cause accidents if you dont make it to the restroom in time.
Urgency incontinence can be caused by physical problems like damage to the spine, brain, or the nerves between the spine and the bladder. It can also be caused by a bladder infection.
Functional incontinence
How Is Urinary Incontinence Diagnosed
It is important to talk to your family doctor about your symptoms. This is the best way for your doctor to determine which type of urinary incontinence you have. Your doctor may also request a sample of urine. You may need to keep a diary of your urination habits . Your doctor may order a pelvic ultrasound to evaluate your bladder. Your doctor will use all this information to determine your type of urinary incontinence.
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Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- What type of urinary incontinence do I have?
- What is the likely cause of my urinary incontinence? Can this condition be treated?
- If so, will treating the condition cure my urinary incontinence? When can I expect relief from my symptoms?
- Should I start doing Kegel exercises? How often?
- Would a bladder training program help manage my urinary incontinence?
- Will any lifestyle changes help manage my urinary incontinence?
- Im embarrassed by my urinary incontinence. Until my symptoms improve, what else can I do to help manage my condition?
Loss Of Bladder Control: Symptoms Causes Treatment
The condition of loss of bladder control is called urinary incontinence medically. Know its symptoms, causes and treatment.
The loss of bladder control or medically called urinary incontinence is a common problem thta can be awkward for some people. This issue can be so embarrassing that there are sudden involuntary dripping or leaking of urine when you cough, laugh too hard or sneeze. The urge is very strong and you don’t get the time to go to a toilet. Although, it occurs mostly when people get older, but urinary incontinence surely not just a cause of ageing. There are several factors that can lead to loss of bladder control.
Urinary incontinence can have an impact on your day to day life, so do not think twice before seeing a doctor for the same. For most of the people, simple lifestyle and diet moderations or medical condition cure can treat the symptoms of urinary incontinence. Onlymyhealth editorial team talked to Dr. Aditya Pradhan, Director – Urology, Max Hospital, Gurgaon, about the symptoms, causes and treatment for loss of bladder control or urinary incontinence.
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Loss Of Bladder Control Treatment
You need to determine the type of urinary continence you are suffering from and the doctor can easily tell you about the kind after listening to your symptoms. The right course of treatment for loss of bladder control involves necessary medications along with simple dietary and lifestyle changes. Some treatment methods include:
- Bladder training can be useful in delaying the urge to urinate
- Scheduled toilet trips can also prevent dripping, thus preparing your mind for the same
- Reduce liquid intake, especially alcohol
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises also known as kegel exercises
- Medications to treat urinary incontinence
- Surgery
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These were the symptoms, causes and treatment of urinary incontinence or loss of bladder control. It is best to talk to an expert if you experience any symptoms of a bladder problem, such as painful and frequent urination, a loss of bladder control, bedwetting and pelvic pain. Bladder problems can have a negative impact on your quality of life and lead to other health problems.
Living With Urinary Incontinence
Do not let urinary incontinence control your life. Do not let it keep you at home or affect your typical activities. All it takes is a little planning. For example, if you know you are going to not be near a bathroom, consider using a panty liner or pad. When you are at an event away from home, scope out the locations of bathrooms. Take frequent bathroom breaks. Try to drink less while you are out.
Most importantly, talk to your doctor and those close to you about your urinary incontinence. You may be embarrassed at first, but they can help you work on solutionsespecially your doctor. It is important to know that you arent alone in this.
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Bad Cough Causes Loss Of Bowel Bladder Control
- THE PEOPLE’S PHARMACY Joe and Teresa Gradeon
Q. I’ve had a terrible cough, so violent that I’ve wetand sometimes even soiled myself. For the past several weeks, I’vebeen vomiting from coughing so hard.
I take lisinopril and amlodipine for high bloodpressure. I suspect that one of them is the cause of my horridcough. Is this possible?
A. The most common and bothersome side effectof popular blood pressure drugs like benazepril, captopril,enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril and ramipril is an uncontrollablecough. Many readers have reported throwing up because of this sideeffect. Patients should always be alerted to this potential adversereaction.
We are sending you our Guide to Blood Pressure Treatment with adiscussion of the pros and cons of a range of medications and manynondrug alternatives. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $3in check or money order with a long , stamped ,self-addressed envelope to:
Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy
No. B-67, P.O. Box 52027
Durham, N.C. 27717-2027
Although amlodipine is unlikely to cause cough, it can lead toswollen ankles because of fluid retention. Other side effects mayinclude headache, dizziness, nausea and fatigue.
Q. My family has switched almost entirely to using seasalt in cooking. Are we now at greater risk of developing a goiterbecause we’re not using iodized salt?
How Is Urinary Incontinence Treated
Treatment options for urinary incontinence depend on the type of incontinence, the severity, and the underlying cause. A combination of medical treatments, exercises, and lifestyle modifications may be needed. Weight loss in the case of obese women has been shown to help some types of incontinence. The following are the treatment options.
Behavioral techniques:
- Fluid and diet management: Reducing or avoiding alcohol, caffeine, or acidic foods and decreasing fluid consumption.
- Bladder training: Training the bladder to delay urination after having the urge to urinate may help. The patient could start by trying to hold off going to the bathroom for 10 minutes every time there is an urge to urinate and gradually lengthening the time.
- Double voiding: First, the patient urinates after getting an urge. Then, the patient waits for a few minutes to urinate again.
- Pessary: Insertion of vaginal pessary may help reduce stress incontinence by supporting the bladder and vaginal wall. It can be inserted by the individual and may be available over the counter.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises:
Electrical stimulation:
Electrodes can be temporarily inserted into the rectum or vagina to stimulate and strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
Medications:
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What Causes Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence can be caused by many different medical problems, including weak pelvic muscles or diabetes. Some common causes are listed below.
- For women, thinning and drying of the skin in the vagina or urethra, especially after menopause
- For men, enlarged prostate gland or prostate surgery
- Weakened and stretched pelvic muscles after childbirth
- Certain medicines
- Diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimers disease, and multiple sclerosis
Bladder Control And Diabetes
Wednesday, 4 November 2020
An embarrassing problem experienced by some people with diabetes is urinary incontinence . It can range anywhere from occasionally leaking a few drops when you sneeze or cough to the complete inability to control your bladder.
Urinary incontinence is not a disease, it is a symptom. So, if urinary incontinence affects your day to day activities or social interactions it is important you speak to your doctor, as it could indicate there is a more serious, underlying issue.
A check up by your doctor can help to figure out what is causing the incontinence and what can be done about it. The good news is, that for most people, some simple lifestyle changes or medications can stop the urinary incontinence, or at least provide you with more comfort.
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Alcohol And Carbonated Drinks
People who suffer from incontinence should limit their alcohol intake. It interrupts with your thinking. If you drink alcohol until you blackout you might also not feel micturition. Alcohol also aids urine production in the body, which can lead to more frequent urge of urination. Even carbonated drinks can be a major cause behind urinary incontinence.
What Are The Common Causes Of Urinary Incontinence
The most common causes of UI include:
Weak pelvic floor muscles .
Changes associated with childbirth, such as:
Weakness in the back wall of the pelvis resulting from aging, vaginal childbirth, chronic constipation, prior pelvic surgery, and certain types of cancer treatments.
Bladder stones or bladder tumors can also cause UI, as well as more serious conditions such as neurological disorders, stroke, and heart attack.
6. How is urinary incontinence treated?
In many cases, lifestyle changes can help treat UI and reduce its impact on daily life. These may include: exercising regularly, limiting fluids before bedtime, strengthening the muscles used to control urination , cutting back or changing medications that may worsen incontinence, eating foods high in fiber or cutting back on liquids before bedtime, and losing weight for people who are overweight.
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I Pee When I Sneezewhat Can I Do About It
Gynecology, Urology, Women’s Health
For many women, peeing while sneezing is more than a common occurrenceits a frequent annoyance and often an embarrassment that many experience in silence.
What they might not realize is that urinary incontinence is normal: About a quarter to a third of Americans experience it. And though many might think its a permanent issue, its treatable.
Stress incontinence, a form of urinary incontinence, happens when physical activity such as coughing, sneezing or running puts pressure on the bladder, explains Samantha Pulliam, MD, director of UNC Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery.
Stress incontinence is caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles or other physical changes in the body. For women, bodily changes such as pregnancy, childbirth, menopause or hysterectomies are main causes of stress incontinence.
Who Is At Risk For Urinary Incontinence
In adults, you are at higher risk of developing UI if you:
- Are female, especially after going through pregnancy, childbirth, and/or menopause
- Are older. As you age, your urinary tract muscles weaken, making it harder to hold in urine.
- Are a man with prostate problems
- Have certain health problems, such as diabetes, obesity, or long-lasting constipation
- Are a smoker
- Have a birth defect that affects the structure of your urinary tract
In children, bedwetting is more common in younger children, boys, and those whose parents wet the bed when they were children.
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Medicine For Stress Incontinence
If stress incontinence does not significantly improve with lifestyle changes or exercises, surgery will usually be recommended as the next step.
However, if you’re unsuitable for surgery or want to avoid an operation, you may benefit from an antidepressant medicine called duloxetine. This can help increase the muscle tone of the urethra, to help keep it closed.
You’ll need to take duloxetine tablets twice a day and will be assessed after 2 to 4 weeks to see if the medicine is beneficial or causing any side effects.
Possible side effects of duloxetine can include:
- nausea
- constipation
Do not suddenly stop taking duloxetine, as this can also cause unpleasant side effects. A GP will reduce your dose gradually.
Duloxetine is not suitable for everyone, however, so a GP will discuss any other medical conditions you have to determine if you can take it.
What Is Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a condition that impacts many peoples lives. When you have incontinence, you may experience bladder control issues and leak urine. This leakage is often uncontrollable and can negatively impact your life.
Your urinary system is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. These parts do several jobs. They filter, store and remove waste from your body. Your kidneys are the filters of your body. Waste products are removed from your blood by the kidneys, creating urine. The urine then moves down through two thin tubes called the ureters. The ureters connect to the bladder, where the urine will collect until its time to leave the body. Your bladder is like a storage tank once the bladder is full, the brain sends a signal that its time to urinate. Urine then leaves the bladder when a muscle opens up , allowing the urine to flow freely out of the body through the urethra.
When this system is working smoothly, you usually have time to get to a bathroom before needing to urinate and you dont experience any leakage of urine. Urinary incontinence can happen when these parts dont operate as they should. This can happen for many different reasons throughout your life.
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What Can Be Done
First of all, whether to do something or nothing is up to the woman who is experiencing the leakage. For some women, an infrequent small leak of urine is not bothersome, and does not feel worth the effort of intervening. However, this leakage indicates that the door is weak, and some women may wish to be proactive and try to avoid any worsening of the problem.
Preventative strategies could include strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor with Kegel exercises. It could also include avoiding unnecessary strain to the pelvic floor support tissues . Most women are not aware that certain daily life habits can breakdown supportive tissue to the pelvic organs and the urethra little by little over time. Examples of this are frequent bouts of constipation with straining, a chronic deep cough that puts frequent pressure against the pelvic support system, or heavy or improper lifting techniques. All of these generate stress and strain on the connective tissue and can cause further loss of support. Thus, treating constipation or a chronic cough, avoiding unusually heavy lifting, and learning how to lift correctly are all things that can prevent further loss of support to the urethra.
Make an appointment to talk to a gynecologist about leakage or others issues today!
How Do You Stop Frequent Urination In Elderly
Do you have an elderly loved one that is frequently urinating? Are they constantly going to the bathroom and not even realizing it!
If this sounds like your situation, then you are definitely not alone.
Urinary incontinence can be a major problem for older adults, but there are ways to help manage the symptoms.
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Chronic Cough And Asthma
A cough can put extra stress on your bladder.
Many people have urinary leakage when they cough, laugh or sneeze. This is called stress urinary incontinence . In some cases, asthma or a chronic cough that lasts for many years can stretch the muscles of the pelvic floor and may make tiny tears in the muscles. These tears may cause stress urinary incontinence.
During surgery, childbirth, or with other physical stress, the muscles of the pelvic floor can become weak, and dont support the bladder and urethra . This muscle weakness allows urine to leak when you are sneezing, coughing, picking up something heavy, or other similar activities.
In some cases, a chronic cough or asthma cant be prevented. However, in many cases smoking triggers the chronic cough or asthma. Some people stop leaking when they give up cigarettes.
Pelvic floor exercises can help make the pelvic floor muscles stronger. You may wish to learn to do Kegel exercises with a physical therapist to learn how to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Tightening the pelvic floor before a cough may help prevent leakage.
Many people who live with incontinence do not tell their doctors. In most cases, your stress urinary incontinence can be treated or improved. Please to talk with your health care provider about many of the available options.
Medical Reviewer: Diana Hankey-Underwood, MS, WHNP-BC