Adult incontinence is a source of embarrassment for sufferers. It occurs mainly due to some underlying medical condition and refers to the loss of usual control over the bladder or the bowels.
People who suffer from incontinence usually try to hide it and manage it themselves when in fact there is help to be got by talking to a physician of this condition.
The result of not seeking help is that the sufferer also gets depressed with low self-esteem and becomes isolated from friends and family. You should be aware that this condition is treatable in most cases.
The complex structure of the bowels and the bladder work to accumulate and then release wast the sphincter muscle, for example, seals in waste until allowed to void it.
When there is a case of nerve or muscle damage the muscle no longer works and waste can be leaked. When nerves are damaged, messages are prevented from going from the brain to the body and the organs fails to recognize the commands to release waste.
Then there is very little coordination and incontinence results.
You may be at risk if you are obese or smoke excessively. Pregnant and postmenopausal women may also suffer from it.
Bladder infections and prostrate problems can lead to incontinence. People who have had a stroke or suffered from any illness that caused nerve or muscle damage can be at risk. Incontinence can be urinary or of the bowel. It can also be a side effect of cancer treatment, such as prostrate or bladder cancer.
If you are suffering from incontinence make notes of the situation so as to be able to inform your physician when you go for a check up.
Write down information about your fluid intake, how and when it was released, the amount of leakage, and whether you felt the urge to urinate before releasing the waste.
Make a note of all your symptoms and the kinds of medication you are on. All this knowledge will help your doctor decide what kinds of tests you will need to undergo and what treatment would be most suitable for you. You may be advised to see a urologist who specializes in urinary tract infections and conditions.
The tests you will be asked to undergo include urinalysis wherein your urine will be tested for bacteria or blood or any infection. A postvoid residual treatment will allow the doctor to check the size and shape of the bladder to know if you are able to empty your bladder completely.
This can be combined with an ultrasound and a cystoscopy. You may be asked to undergo a treatment that involves a combination of surgery, behavioral therapy, and medication.
There are several things you yourself can do to reduce the effects of incontinence. Stop smoking and reduce the intake of caffeine or alcohol; drink plenty of water instead. Go to the bathroom at specific intervals so your body is trained to release waste at certain times only.
If you must indulge in some physical activity such as jumping or lifting something heavy and also when you need to cough or laugh, then squeeze your pelvic muscles together and hold them tightly. This prevents leakage. Lose weight if you are obese and also do the Kegel exercises, which will help you gain control over your sphincter and pelvic floor muscles.
Don’t be embarrassed to tell a doctor what you are going through. Seek help for your condition because it can be successfully treated in most cases.
