Conditions

Causes of urinary incontinence It is not a disease, it is a symptom. Urinary incontinence can be caused by daily habits, underlying medical or physical problems.  Urinary incontinence may be temporary or persistent.  Temporary urinary incontinence  Certain drinks, foods and medications can act as diuretics by stimulating your bladder and increasing volume of urine. These include:  Alcohol Caffeine Decaffeinated tea and coffee Carbonated drinks Artificial sweeteners Corn…

Types of Urinary incontinence  a) Stress incontinence: Urine leaks out when you exert pressure on your bladder by coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercising or lifting heavy objects. b) Urge incontinence: You have a sudden intense urge to urinate followed by involuntary loss of urine. This may be caused by a minor condition such as infection or by a more severe condition such as neurological disorder or diabetes. c) Overflow incontinence: This type occurs when you urinate but do not…

Some people experience occasional minor leaks of urine while others wet their clothes frequently. Complications of urinary incontinence Skin problems: Rashes, sores and skin infections can develop from constantly wet skin.  Urinary tract infections: Incontinence increases your risk of repeated urinary tract infections. Impact on your personal life: Urinary incontinence can affect your social, work and personal relationships.   

It is important to determine the type of urinary incontinence that you have since it will guide treatment decisions. The doctor may do some of the following tests: Thorough medical history and physical exam  Urine analysis: Sample of urine will be checked for any signs of infection or other abnormalities. Bladder diary: You should record how much you drink, when you urinate, amount of urine you produce and the number of incontinence episodes.  Post void residual measurement: You…

Treatment of urinary incontinence depends on the type, its severity and the underlying cause. A combination of treatments may be needed to treat urinary incontinence.  The doctor may suggest some of the following:  Medications Anticholinergics: Oxybutynin (Ditropan XL), Tolteridone (Detrol), Darifenacin (Enablex), Fesoterodine (Toviaz), Solifenacin (Vesicare), Trospium (Sanctura). These medications can calm an over-active bladder and may be helpful for urge incontinence. Mirabegron (…

Fluid and diet management You have to avoid alcohol, caffeine, acidic foods to regain control of your bladder. Reducing liquid consumption, losing weight, increasing physical activity can reduce the problem. Speak to your doctor about a diet and fluid plan. Physical fitness Doing regular exercises can help to strengthen the muscles that control urination. Tighten the muscles you use to stop urinating and hold for 2 – 5 seconds and then relax for 2 – 5 seconds. Do this exercise at least ten…

You cannot prevent all cases of urinary incontinence, but there are some steps to reduce your risk of episodes. Try to live a healthy lifestyle by maintaining a healthy weight, avoid smoking, do regular exercise, and eat well. Have enough fibre in your diet, in order to prevent constipation.

What tests do you need to have done Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will take your history and based on symptoms and signs suggestive of lung cancer, may recommend some of the following tests: Blood test: This is primarily to understand the overall health status of the person. Imaging tests: Chest X-ray:  This can detect an abnormal large mass or small nodules in the lung. CT scan: This can detect small lesions and provide a more detailed view of the lungs, which is…

Can lung cancer be prevented?  You can lower your risk by doing the following: Stop smoking Avoid second-hand smoke Avoid carcinogens at work Work with other people to keep your environment pollution-free Eat low-fat, high-fibre diet and do regular exercise Screening Screening: Screening is recommended for high risk individuals which includes: Those between the ages of 55-79 Smoked for 30 or more years Person who has quit smoking within the past 15 years Screening test includes:  …