Monday, April 12, 2010

Intro to Incontinence and Incontinence Supplies

This article explains the very basics of urine control issues, a common medical symptom affecting many seniors, and the supplies needed for treatment.

What is incontinence? 

Incontinence is basically the incapacity to control bladder and / or bowel function.  This means the involuntary excretion of urine or bowel movements, but typically most frequently incontinence refers to “urinary incontinence”, which applies particularly to pee control. 

While incontinence can be treated, it's a indication of an illness or health condition causing the incontinence.  Incontinence can be due to a number of medical conditions, many of which are gender-specific. 

There are lots of kinds of adult incontinence.  Here are some symptoms of the common forms:

Stress Incontinence - is due to the pressure from sneezing, coughing, or giggling.  This is the most typical form of incontinence among women but might also affect men. 
Urge Incontinence - A robust urge to urinate that comes on fast and powerfully, or overnight when the feeling to urinate happens frequently. 

Overflow Incontinence - Overflow incontinence affects men and is mostly caused by an obstructing of the urethra by the prostate or something in the urethra.  When the bladder is too full, it will force the urine past the constriction in the urethra.  Some symptoms of overflow incontinence are when the pee stream is weak, straining while urinating, or bedwetting. 

In spite of what you've heard, incontinence is not an ordinary part of aging and thankfully it can be treated!  You should see your health practitioner for possible treatment if you are experiencing the evidence of incontinence. 

What number of folks are affected by urinary incontinence? 

With an aging population worldwide, incontinence is starting to become an increasingly important health problem, faced by millions worldwide .  Some sources indicate that as much as half of all girls deal with the regularly shaming issue of urinary incontinence after the age of fifty. 

What kinds of incontinence supplies aid urinary incontinence? 

While you should usually see a doctor if you are experiencing any type of incontinence, dealing with the symptom can be embarrassing.  You should also explore changes in your diet (consuming caffeine, alcohol, and other liquids) as well as exercise to help relieve the symptoms. 

Thankfully, if you're waiting to work out if a form of treatment helps or waiting for surgery, there are a number of products for both men and women to help you and make incontinence as least shaming as possible.  Here are some:


Bedwetting Alarms
Alarms are usually worn on the wrist and will sound if it notices the wearer is wetting the bed.  This alerts the patient awake to reduce the mess. 

Incontinence Bed Pads & Sheets
Pads and  sheeting are a necessity for overnight incontinence and bedwetting.  They may protect a mattress and minimize the mess, making it straightforward to clean.  Incontinence pads are made to be extra-absorbent and come in all sizes from covering a portion of the bed to a full-size mattress undercover.  You may also get throwaway pads or re-usable pads, which are safer for machine washing and dryers. 

Typically for regular nighttime incontinence, a throw-away pad is preferred.  However , for bi-nightly or occasional incontinence, a re-usable pad is likely the more cost-efficient and comfortable option. 

Incontinence Diapers and Briefs

For mobile protection on a tight schedule, adult incontinence diapers and briefs are a good choice.  They can be worn privately and offer absorbent protection from leaks as well as protection to reduce smell and keep the skin dry and rash-free. 

Most incontinence briefs and underclothes come in sizes just like regular underwear and regularly have discreet daytime options and night options for the best protection. 


Self-Catheters & Leg Bags

There are several cases in women and men that may require self-catheterization.  Catheters are tubes that are inserted through the urethra and into the bladder so that urine drains properly thru the tube.  While catheterization is generally unpleasant, it can offer protection from incontinence, especially for those with surgery and men experiencing BPH ( Benign Prostate Hyperplastia) which is a swelling of the prostate that can affect millions of aging men. 

Catheters come in all sizes and styles and are typically gender-specific.  Catheters are designed to be disposable, so once they're used, they deserve to be thrown away.  Re-using catheters puts the patient in jeopardy for Urinary Tract contagions.

Female catheters are always internally inserted, but for men there is also the option of self-adhering external catheters that attach to the outside of the male unit. 

Leg bags are basically a bag that connects to the outside hole of a catheter.  A leg bag attaches to the leg with belts so that the wearer loses no function and is completely safe in case of urine flow.  All the urine collects in the small bag which can later be easily taken off.


Skin Care Products

With incontinence comes occasional leaks or accidents which can cause rashes or infections.  With proper skin care, all of this can be circumvented.  Most incontinence skin care products are for patients who have recently undergone operations or are not active enough to clean on their own.  These products typically come in the form of conditioners, sprays, and foams applied washcloth.  There are also protective ointments designed to help secure the skin from rashes.

Learn more about Incontinence and Incontinence Products:
WebMD- Incontinence
Incontinence Product Reviews Added with Posterous - Home Medical Supplies.

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