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Incontinence
Is the inability to
control the passing of urine.
What to look for
The condition often
reflects an underlying disorder and is usually treatable, even in the elderly. Often it
was thought that it was a age related condition and inevitable result of getting older. It
must be treated however, in order for it to improve.
Incontinence can lead to
bladder or urinary tract infections if not treated or if the problem still persists. In
those instances where treatment doesn't work there are pads and protection available which
can aid your comfort.
Causes
Sometimes there is a
continuous leaking of urine as the muscles within this area are unable to contract to hold
it back and a person does not know when they need to go to the toilet. This can be the
consequence of diabetes in men.
At other times, simple
actions such as coughing, sneezing or exercising can cause incontinence problems. The
urethra is weak and cannot resist a sudden increase in bladder pressure.
When the bladder is full in
other people, it simply contracts and they have no control over the sudden urge to go to
the toilet. This can occur in healthy people as well as those with other illnesses
involving the central nervous system, such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease,
and multiple sclerosis.
A slipped disk, surgery or
pregnancy can also contribute to this condition.
Incontinence is a potential
side effect of many diuretics, sedatives, antidepressants, antihistamines, and other
medications. Talk to your doctor.
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Traditional Treatment
Do not worry about this
ailment as in most cases it can be cured or, at the very least, greatly improved with
treatment. Both conventional and alternative medicine have effective strategies for
dealing with the problem. If you wish, you can try alternative methods first. However, if
the condition persists or worsens, see a doctor for a full evaluation and diagnosis.
Many doctors may suggest
and show you muscle strengthening exercises to help your incontinence. These treatments
are safe and effective.
If your doctor decides you
need medication for your condition, the drug he or she prescribes will depend on the cause
of the incontinence.
Special devices called
pessaries are available for women.
If none of these treatments
work, your doctor may recommend surgery. Ask you doctor to describe the various options
available to you and to explain any possible side effects as well.
If your incontinence cannot
be cured or controlled, you can learn to manage the problem with the help of some
specially designed aids that are available.
Complimentary
Treatments
These treatments are aimed
at strengthening the pelvic muscles to give you more support in this area.
Chinese Herbs - Chinese
practitioners may make a mixture of several herbs to treat this condition. They believe
herbs that help the body retain fluid are a beneficial treatment for incontinence. Chinese
practitioners may make a mixture of several herbs to treat this condition. They believe
herbs that help the body retain fluid are a beneficial treatment for incontinence.
Herbal Treatments - Where
there is a lack of bladder control, use corn silk
combined with agrimony. Where
there is a lack of bladder control, use corn silk
combined with agrimony.
Homoeopathy - Depending
on the cause of the condition, homoeopaths have numerous remedies to treat incontinence.
Some that are often prescribed include: Depending
on the cause of the condition, homoeopaths have numerous remedies to treat incontinence.
Some that are often prescribed include:
for stress incontinence,
particularly in the elderly, Causticum, which is said to restore vitality to aging tissue.
for stress and urge
incontinence, particularly when a person is rising from a prone position, Pulsatilla, is thought to restore the urinary
parts of the body to proper functioning.
There are additional
remedies available.
Dietary Considerations
Maintain your ideal weight.
Avoid constipation by
increasing the amount of fibre and water in your diet; eat more whole-grain foods and
fruits and vegetables.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine,
sugar, spicy foods, and acidic fruits and juices - all of which can irritate the bladder
and trigger leaks.
Personal Care
Avoid constipation.
Do pelvic exercises daily
(see women’s health).
Retrain yourself to
urinate at longer intervals
Don't smoke.
If you are a woman
incontinence, try crossing your legs when sneezing or coughing.
When to seek further
professional advice
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