Urinary incontinence is a silent problem in many Indians

August 10, 2017
Urinary incontinence is a silent problem in many Indians
  1. Those with the disorder face much stigma, with people isolating such patients due to lack of awareness

 New Delhi, 10 August, 2017: Statistics indicate that as many as 24 million Indian adults suffer from urinary incontinence and another 27 million suffer from fecal or bowel incontinence. Although the loss of bladder and bowel control is common in people over the age of 40, it can start at the age of 20 as well. As per the IMA, people are not very kind towards those who lose bladder control and can even go to the extent of isolating such people. Old people, in particular, suffer much stigma due to this condition.

Urinary incontinence is a condition in which a person suffers from leaking of urine especially while coughing or sneezing loudly. They may also have a strong urge to urinate, which leads to leakage. However, the condition can be managed or even eliminated altogether with some simple lifestyle changes or medical treatment.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, “Urinary incontinence can be an outcome of many other conditions. In women, the causes could include weak bladder muscles, pregnancy, child birth, forceps delivery, and removal of uterus. Some general reasons are complications from surgery, stroke, or chronic diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson’s disease. Diseases that weaken the bladder nerves or spinal cord can also lead to this condition. Incontinence is a disorder and can be treated and managed. Body shaming a person for this or isolating them can lead to embarrassment for them, and sometimes, even depression in the longer run. The fact, however, is that not many people are aware of this condition and need to be educated on the causative factors.”

Urinary incontinence is more common among women than men. About 30%of women between the age of 30 and 60 are thought to suffer from it, compared to 1.5% to 5% of men. Two of risk factors for this condition are obesity and smoking.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Treatment for urinary incontinence depends on factors such as the type of incontinence, patient’s age, general health, and mental state. Bladder training can help people get back their bladder control. In some cases, medication is prescribed in combination with exercises for the pelvic muscle. Surgery is done if other treatments are not effective.

Some simple steps can help maintain bladder and urinary health.

  • Behavioural therapies This includes educating patients about how urine is formed, stored, and expelled.
  • Pelvic floor muscles exercises These are called Kegels and they help strengthen the muscles that control urination.
  • Dietary changes Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and acidic drinks. Some things like chocolates, artificial sweeteners, and spices can irritate the bladder.
  • Weight control Excess weight can put added pressure on the bladder and surrounding muscles. Therefore, maintain an ideal weight or lose weight if you are overweight.
  • Fluid intake Drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep the bladder healthy. Drinking less water makes the urine more concentrated and this can irritate the lining of the urethra and bladder.

Stay informed with the latest news from HealthySoch. Sign up today for exclusive insights and updates!

We promise we never spam!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Health Tips

Dr. T S Kler Padma Bhushan Awardee
MD, DM, MRCP, FRCP(U.K), FACC, D.Sc
Chairman – Fortis Heart Institute Gurugram

Precautions to avoid Corona Virus:

  1. Stay home as far as possible.
  2. Wash hands with soap and water frequently.
  3. Keep distance from people even your home members.
  4. Keep atleast 1-2 metres away from anybody coughing.
  5. Don’t touch your face, nose and mouth.

 

Dr. K.K Says

Archives

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
    123
45678910
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
26272829   
       
891011121314
293031    
       
    123
45678910
11121314151617
25262728293031
       
  12345
6789101112
13141516171819
27282930   
       
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
3031     
     12
17181920212223
24252627282930
31      
   1234
567891011
12131415161718
2627282930  
       
1234567
891011121314
22232425262728
293031    
       
     12
3456789
17181920212223
24252627282930
       
  12345
6789101112
       
  12345
13141516171819
2728     
       
      1
9101112131415
3031     
   1234
567891011
       
282930    
       
    123
45678910
       
  12345
27282930   
       
      1
3031     
    123
11121314151617
       
28      
       
2930     
       
    123
       
       
       
      1
9101112131415
3031     
     12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
242526272829 
       
  12345
13141516171819
2728293031  
       
      1
23242526272829
3031     
    123
       
    123
25262728   
       
78910111213
28293031   
       
293031    
       
14151617181920
28293031   
       
   1234
567891011
       
   1234
567891011
262728    
       
891011121314
293031    
       
    123
18192021222324
25262728293031
       
  12345
27282930   
       
      1
2345678
16171819202122
3031     
    123
45678910
18192021222324
       
28293031   
       
     12
31      
   1234
       
  12345
6789101112
       
HealthySoch

Don't Miss