Dear Reader,
Many people take bladder and bowel control for granted – until something goes wrong. An estimated 50 million Indians have Incontinence, the unintended loss of urine or feces that is significant enough to make it difficult for them to maintain good hygiene and carry on ordinary social and work lives. The good news is that trained Pelvic health physiotherapists at Aakash Hospital Malviya Nagar can help you tame incontinence with simple lifestyle and dietary changes or physiotherapy care can treat symptoms of urinary incontinence.
Symptoms
Urinary incontinence is most common among women and often an embarrassing problem. Its severity ranges from occasional leaking even with cough or sneezing. Though it occurs usually when people get older but can also be the result of Pelvic Floor dysfunction (pelvic floor dysfunction can be caused by weak pelvic floor muscles or tight pelvic floor muscles).
Urinary incontinence can be of following type:
- Stress Incontinence: In this condition leakage happens when you exert pressure on your bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or while lifting heavy objects.
- Urge Incontinence: This is a condition when you have a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an uncontrolled loss of urine. You may feel to urinate often including throughout the night. Urge incontinence can be the result of an infection, or neurological disorder or diabetes.
- Overflow Incontinence: In this condition, there is frequent or constant dribbling of urine due to a bladder that doesn’t empty completely.
- Functional Incontinence: This is the result of physical or mental impairment that prevents you from making it to toilet in time. For instance a patient suffering from severe arthritis may not be able to unbutton pants quick enough.
- Mixed Incontinence: It is result of more than one type of urinary incontinence- more often a combination of stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
What Causes Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary Incontinence is the result of underlying medical conditions or physical problems.
- Temporary Urinary Incontinence
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Carbonated drinks
- Artificial Sweeteners
- Chocolates
- Chili peppers
- Foods that are high in spice, sugar or acid
- Heart and blood pressure medications, sedatives and muscle relaxants
- Large doses of vitamin C
Urinary Incontinence can also be the result of treatable medical conditions such as Urinary tract Infection or constipation.
2. Persistent Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Incontinence can also be persistent caused by physical problems or changes, including:
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Changes with age
- Menopause
- Enlarged Prostate
- Prostate Cancer
- Obstruction
- Neurological Disorders
Prevention
Urinary Incontinence can be prevented by
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Practicing pelvic floor exercises
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol and acidic foods
- Including more fiber in diet
- Quit smoking
At Aakash Physiotherapy Clinic, physiotherapists are trained to design a specialized program that is tailored to your specific needs, it can be a combination of relaxation exercises, stretches, strengthening exercises (such as kegel) and lifestyle changes. If you come across any symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, we are here to help you. Book your appointment online or give us a call.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information about health and related topics. The information and other content provided in the blog are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
