Home Care Assistance and Bladder Problems
According to the National Institute of Health, bladder problems are often just a sign of getting older. As we age, the body parts responsible for "going number one" change. Age affects the kidneys, the bladder, and the prostate in men. In women, childbearing and menopause can cause changes in the muscles that control urination. In short, bladder problems are one of the many exciting features of the golden years.
The good news is, the vast majority of bladder problems can be solved or cured. While you will not likely grow back kidney tissue that has declined with age or gain back the elasticity of the bladder, there are ways to compensate for these changes.
The first step in creating a plan is determining …show more content…
Do you "leak" when you laugh, cough, or sneeze?
5. Do you dribble urine in between bathroom sessions?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may have a specific type of bladder problem, such as nocturia, nocturnal enuresis, stress incontinence, and so forth. If you answered yes to multiple questions, you may have mixed urinary incontinence. Once you have determined that there may be a problem, it is time to see a doctor who can help your loved one with a plan.
In the meantime, there are a number of things that can be done to combat the effects of bladder problems. The most common method is by strengthening the muscles used to control urine flow using exercises known as Kegels. Three out of four people with incontinence find Kegels to be successful in relieving many of the problems with leaks or accidents. Many people also find relief through acupuncture.
Believe it or not, there is even a "bladder diet". Low vitamin D levels are often related to incontinence, and 75 percent of seniors over 60 years of age have low vitamin D levels. Sugary drinks, especially those with high fructose syrup promotes frequent urinations, so they should be actively avoided. Caffeinated drinks should also be on the "don't drink" list, especially at
According to the National Institute of Health, bladder problems are often just a sign of getting older. As we age, the body parts responsible for "going number one" change. Age affects the kidneys, the bladder, and the prostate in men. In women, childbearing and menopause can cause changes in the muscles that control urination. In short, bladder problems are one of the many exciting features of the golden years.
The good news is, the vast majority of bladder problems can be solved or cured. While you will not likely grow back kidney tissue that has declined with age or gain back the elasticity of the bladder, there are ways to compensate for these changes.
The first step in creating a plan is determining …show more content…
Do you "leak" when you laugh, cough, or sneeze?
5. Do you dribble urine in between bathroom sessions?
If you answer yes to any of these questions, you may have a specific type of bladder problem, such as nocturia, nocturnal enuresis, stress incontinence, and so forth. If you answered yes to multiple questions, you may have mixed urinary incontinence. Once you have determined that there may be a problem, it is time to see a doctor who can help your loved one with a plan.
In the meantime, there are a number of things that can be done to combat the effects of bladder problems. The most common method is by strengthening the muscles used to control urine flow using exercises known as Kegels. Three out of four people with incontinence find Kegels to be successful in relieving many of the problems with leaks or accidents. Many people also find relief through acupuncture.
Believe it or not, there is even a "bladder diet". Low vitamin D levels are often related to incontinence, and 75 percent of seniors over 60 years of age have low vitamin D levels. Sugary drinks, especially those with high fructose syrup promotes frequent urinations, so they should be actively avoided. Caffeinated drinks should also be on the "don't drink" list, especially at