Causes and prevention of urinary incontinence

Incontinence is a medical condition whereby its sufferer constantly releases urine uncontrollably while laughing, coughing, sneezing and inability to hold urine for long. It is an indication that the urinary bladder is weak and needs medical attention.

Incontinence is common among the old, but can also affect young ones.

This sickness which is seen as one of the most embarrassing sickness to its sufferers especially when it get severe, can be less often in some people while it regularly among other sufferers

There are various types of incontinence which is determined by its causes. 

Stress Incontinence: This is caused as a result of stress which arises from doing hard and stressful work.

The sufferer urinate when he/she laughs, sneezes, coughs or lifts heavy loads.

Urge Incontinence: This is unexplained sudden urination. It can be constant and continuos even during sleep. This could be the malfunction of the urination controlling region of the brain known as the Pontine Micturition Center (PMC). It can also be caused by diabetes.

Overflow Incontinence: This is the escaping of the urine left in the urinary bladder.

Functional incontinence: This is caused by internal or superficial problem. Arthritis patients are likely to experience this kind of incontinence.

Mixed Incontinence: This is combination of two or more types of incontinence in a single sufferer. 

It has been suggested that incontinence can not be traced to a particular disease but can only be attributed to lifestyle. 

For instance some drinks, drugs, herb and chemicals can be attributed to causes of incontinence. This includes artificial sweetener, caffeine, gaseous drinks, preservative and certain sedating drugs.

Living a healthy and good lifestyle is the key to preventing and managing Incontinence.

This includes drinking enough water, eating fibre-rich diet, be physically active, and good toilet habit.

Food rich in fibre includes wholegrain cereals (such as porridge, brown rice, wholemeal pasta, wholemeal bread or pulses such as lentils and beans) instead than highly processed or refined food. Also eating fruit (at least two pieces) and vegetables (at least five serves) every day.

Good toilet habit includes allow urine to flow at its own speed (don’t use your pelvic floor to push out urine), not to open your bowels as constant  straining can cause problems including haemorrhoids (swollen veins in the anus), and can weaken your pelvic floor muscles.