How to Treat Urge Incontinence

If you are a senior dealing with incontinence or the caregiver for an elderly loved one, you may be facing the challenges of helping to managing incontinence. Urge incontinence is one of the most common types of incontinence among older adults. Knowing about it and understanding the treatment options can go a long way toward helping to manage it.

Urge incontinence is the feeling of suddenly having to use the bathroom. The patient has a strong sensation of needing to urinate and then releases urine before they can reach the bathroom. This condition is also referred to as overactive bladder. This is one of the most common kinds of incontinence. This condition affects both genders, with more women commonly having this type of incontinence then men. However, the good news is there are several different treatments available that can help with managing urge incontinence. The treatments are listed below in order of use with the most commonly prescribed being listed first. Here is what you need to know about treatment for urge incontinence.

Changes in the diet-One of the first things that many health care professionals recommend is making dietary changes. Caregivers can help the senior control their fluid intake, and avoid certain foods that can bring on incontinence symptoms. This type of treatment has been found to be highly effective for seniors with this type of incontinence. However, it should be noted that fluid intake should be modified and never reduced since seniors are especially vulnerable to dehydration. The idea is to make sure that fluids are being taken in throughout the day without overtaxing the bladder. However, it is should be noted that reducing fluids right before bedtime can also be helpful.

Bladder re-training-It is important to understand that this type of treatment requires up to six weeks of dedicated effort but can be very effective. In addition, if you decide this type of treatment is appropriate the senior may need to see a specialist for detailed instructions on how to do this. The basis of this treatment is to try to develop a schedule for bathroom breaks and consciously delay urination till the set time. Over time the bathroom breaks can be spaced longer apart. In addition, this treatment is often used with biofeedback and electrical stimulation.

Medications-There are certain drugs that can be helpful in managing incontinence. These drugs act as a relaxing agent for the bladder. However, it should be noted that they have varying degrees of success. In addition, they often have side effects which can include dry mouth, constipation, blurry vision, and confusion.

Nerve treatments-As a last resort, some doctors may recommend nerve treatments which can include: sacral nerve stimulator, and special Botox injections. Finally, the doctor may perform surgery to decrease bladder pressure, and to increase bladder storage area by surgically relocating a section of bowel.

One of the first steps (and one of the most important), is to have a complete medical evaluation, by the senior’s health care professional, in order to determine the type of incontinence. However, it is important for caregivers and seniors to become acquainted with the types, for themselves.Want to know about Incontinence products? Incontinence is not a normal part of the aging process. Seniors are more at risk of developing incontinence from a variety of different factors. Visit for more Adult incontinence products

It is important to understand that incontinence is not a normal part of the aging process. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/ for more details.

Author Bio: Want to know about Incontinence products? Incontinence is not a normal part of the aging process. Seniors are more at risk of developing incontinence from a variety of different factors. Visit for more Adult incontinence products

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Incontinence products, Adult incontinence products, Male incontinence products, Incontinence supplie

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