Basics Regarding Urinary Incontinence Treatment

By Enid Hinton


There are may problems that can ail the body as it ages, one of them is urinary incontinence. This is a problem in which a person loses control over the bladder and deals with instances of leakage. The likelihood of this increases for females and the elderly. In fact, it is believed to be a problem for more than half of the people living in long-term health care facilities. Urinary incontinence treatment is available for those in need.

This condition may present itself in different ways. In some cases it is caused by stress. That is, leakage is associated with an increase of pressure within the abdomen and bladder. This might be brought by anything from coughing to climbing the stairs, and laughing to sneezing. Basically, physical stressors on the abdominal cavity and bladder result in a problem with leakage.

Another form of this is urge. This is the term used to describe leakage that is involuntary and preceded by or comes with urgency. There is also mixed, which refers to a combo of urge and stress forms. This problem is characterized by the involuntary leakage, as well as a stressor like sneezing, coughing or exertion.

Functional refers to the inability of a person to hold their urine. This could be due to a number of reasons not related to neurologic or lower urinary tract dysfunction. The form of incontinence one has may impact signs and symptoms, as well as possible solutions.

People that suffer with this problem are urged to get medical help. The diagnostic process may include having several tests done, as well as a check of patient history. For some patients, more than urinalysis and physical exams are needed. Urodynamic studies, measurement of PVR urine volume, voiding diaries, cystoscopies, and cough or cotton swab tests are necessary. Some medications or other ailment may make create or worsen this problem of incontinence, which is why a total assessment of the patient is necessary.

Treatment is meant to fit the condition of each individual patient. Still, certain remedies are done for the kind for incontinence being experience. People who have the stress type might be assigned special devices, surgery or pelvic floor physiotherapy. Those with the urge form may be given a new diet to follow, surgery, medications, behavioral modification and exercises to be done for the pelvis. Those with mixed incontinence may benefit from surgery, pelvic floor therapy or anticholinergic drugs.

Diversion or catheterization is commonly seen with people dealing with the overflow condition. Those who have functional incontinence are often given relief through managing an underlying problem or cause. If temporary relief and care is a necessity, absorbency products might be employed. These are often used until official treatments are activated or begin to produce results. They might also serve a long-term option for certain patients or those awaiting a surgery.

While western medicine is known for utilizing these methods of care, people should be aware of the other options they have. Many professionals who practice alternative medicine have solutions for patients dealing with this problem. These professionals strive to provide relief and healing to patients through means that are less invasive and more natural. Overall, people should do research on all doctors or treatments they intend to utilize. Results are expected to differ based on many factors.




About the Author: