Incontinence (loss of bladder control) is a common complaint. There are many factors that can cause this annoying problem. Incontinence can be either acute or persistent. Acute incontinence is most often caused by an infection. Persistent incontinence develops over time and tends to last longer. There are several different types of persistent incontinence, among them are :-
- Stress incontinence
- Urge incontinence
- Functional incontinence
- Reflex incontinence
- Total incontinence
Stress incontinence is the most common bladder control problem. This is leakage that occurs when a person coughs, sneezes, laughs, lifts a heavy object, or otherwise increases pressure in the lower abdomen. The bladder is rarely completely emptied. Dribbling is more common than complete evacuation of the bladder. This problem is a result of weakened pelvic muscles, which can be due to aging, obesity, and/ or pregnancy.
Urge incontinence is the result of an overactive bladder. The detrusor muscle, which surrounds the bladder, may involuntary contract and begin the flow of urine. Frequent urination is common with this type of incontinence, as is nocturnal urination, especially in men. Difficulty urinating may also be due to prostate inflammation. Possible underlying causes of urge incontinence include a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, abdominal surgery, stimulants such alcohol and coffee, and bladder infection. It may also be due to prostate problems.
Functional incontinence is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to empty the bladder before you can reach the bathroom. It can be caused by stress; changes in environment, such as having to stay in the hospital and not being able to get to the bathroom in time; and mobility restrictions. Some individuals are not aware when their bladders are full, and this loss of sensation can lead to urine leakage. This is reflex incontinence, and it is most often due to spinal cord injury or other neurological impairment.
Total incontinence is the unpredictable loss of urine at all times. It can be caused by neurological dysfunction, abdominal surgery, spinal cord injury, or an anatomical defect.
Incontinence is most common in people over fifty, but loss of bladder control can occur at any age, especially in pregnant women. It is wrong to assume that loss of bladder control is an inevitable part of getting older. It is also wrong to assume that nothing can be done about this problem.
Home Remedies For Incontinence
- Kidney Bladder Formula from Nature’s Way and SP-6 Comsilk Blend from Solaray are herbal formulas that have a diuretic effect and reduce bladder spasms, Take 2 capsules twice daily.
- Kegel exercises work as long as there isn’t a more serious condition than a weak sphincter muscle. Practice stopping your urine flow a couple of times while urinating, to strengthen the sphincter muscle.
- Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, coffee, chocolate, refined or processed foods, and simple sugars. Chemicals in food, drugs, and impure water have an adverse effect on the bladder.
Useful References