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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 manifest in different forms. One of these is stress. This type of incontinence is leakage brought on by an increase of pressure in the abdomen. Sometimes this is caused by climbing, sneezing, laughing or coughing. Essentially, these physical stressors on the bladder and abdominal cavity lead to the leakage.

Urge is another form. This is used to describe the involuntary leakage that comes with or is preceded by urgency. Then there is mixed, which is a combination of both urge and stress types. This issue is marked by involuntary leakage and also a stressor such as exertion, coughing or sneezing.

Functional refers to a person who is unable to hold their urine. This may be brought on by a number of things not associated with neurological problems or lower urinary tract issues. The type of leakage may relate to the signs or symptoms experienced and the care administered.

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 should be tailored to fit the status of the patient. However, there are common remedies issued based on the form of incontinence. For stress, patients may be given surgery, anti-incontinence devices or pelvic floor physiotherapy. For cases of urge leakage, doctors may prescribe changes to diet, pelvic-floor exercises, medications and surgical intervention, and behavior modification. People with the mixed form may be given surgery, anticholinergic drugs and pelvic floor therapy.

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.

Western medicine is often what people with this condition seek out. However, there are other options available in the form of alternative medicine practices. Professionals in these fields offer solutions that are often less invasive and more natural based. Still, people should always do their own research when determining a treatment option and doctor to choose. Results will differ.




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