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Within the elderly population, malfunction and age-related changes of the lower urinary tract (LUT) are very common and accompanied by a decrease in bladder capacity, as well as an increasing detrusor (a muscle that forms a layer of the wall of the bladder) over-activity. Hence, treating bladder dysfunction in time is essential.
The WHO has also said that incontinence is a largely preventable and treatable condition and that it’s “certainly not an inevitable consequence of ageing,” adding that “the most typical reaction exhibited by patients when they are diagnosed with poor bladder control was not fear nor disbelief, but relief.
Older people are more susceptible to incontinence and this can have a huge impact on daily activities. This happens because the bladder and the urethra undergo some changes as you grow old. The volume of urine that the bladder can hold starts to decrease. If left untreated, it will not go away. So, here are few effective ways for treating bladder dysfunction :
For discreet daytime protection against unexpected urinary leaks, incontinence pads can give elders with light bladder leakage peace of mind. Lightweight bladder control pads are designed for maximum absorption with minimum visibility. These discreet bladder pads are perfect if you’re looking for protection that can be worn with your own underwear.
Also Read: What Does Cloudy Urine Mean? Decoding the Mystery with Medical Science
For treating bladder dysfunction, Kegels increase support to the urethral sphincter and detrusor (bladder) muscle, thereby preventing stress, urge and mixed urinary Incontinence, and are most appropriate in people who:
Intermittent Self-Catheterization (ISC) is a safe and effective alternative method to empty the bladder. ISC involves inserting a catheter (a flexible hollow tube) into the urethra (the urine channel that drains urine from the bladder) several times a day. ISC is used to help protect the kidneys, prevent incontinence (urine leakage) and lessen the number of infections by promoting good drainage of the bladder while lowering pressure inside the bladder.
Also Read: Home Remedies for UTI
It has been used successfully for individuals with injury to the nerves of the bladder, spinal cord and brain as well as in persons with diabetes, multiple sclerosis, enlarged prostate and continent urinary diversion.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra. Each plays an important role in helping your body to eliminate waste products in the form of urine. Urinary tract infections are inflammations usually caused by bacteria (or germs) attacking the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. Under normal circumstances, the urinary tract is sterile and free of bacteria.
Bacteria cause urinary tract infections. They enter the urinary system through the urethra and can move upward to the bladder and kidneys. The most common organism that causes a UTI is Escherichia coli bacteria (E.Coli). It is usually found in the lower colon but sometimes can find its way into the urinary tract.
Risk factors for UTIs include previous UTI, sexual activity (particularly with new sexual partners), use of spermicides, menopause, pregnancy, reduced mobility (i.e., after surgery or bed rest), urinary incontinence, kidney stones and prostate enlargement.
Other risk factors include age (older adults are at higher risk) and gender. Female patients are at higher risk compared to males because of shorter urethra length and proximity of the urethra to the anus, increasing the likelihood that bacteria will enter the urinary tract.
Also, a new class of drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes has been associated with increased cases of UTIs in patients. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors or ”flozins” are oral hypoglycemics that work by increasing the amount of glucose spilled into the urine.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) generally cause symptoms related to bladder irritation:
Older adults, particularly those with dementia, can also develop delirium — a further aggravation of the mental state – as a result of a urinary tract infection. Sometimes new or worsened confusion can be the only outward sign of a UTI or other infection. It’s a good idea to suppose UTI whenever an older person is having uncomfortable urination or new incontinence. In these cases, make sure the person is seen within 24 hours by his or her doctor or by an urgent care facility.
Also Read: Non-Sexual Causes of UTIs: Understanding the Risk Factors
Doctors first decide if the infection is just in the bladder or has spread to the kidneys and how severe it is. For a simple bladder infection, patients take antibiotics for 3 days (women) or 7 – 14 days (men). For a bladder infection with complications – such as pregnancy or diabetes or a mild kidney infection–patients will usually take antibiotics for 7 – 14 days.
Some people have urinary tract infections that do not go away with treatment or keep coming back. These are called chronic UTIs. If you have a chronic UTI, you may need stronger antibiotics or take medicine for a longer time. Surgery is needed if the infection is caused by a problem with the structure of the urinary tract. Read more about home remedies for UTI.
Also Read: 16 Symptoms of Poor Kidney Function
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.