11/02/2018
Urinary incontinence and its homoeopathic management
According to various health statistics the health problem which troubles at least 30% of the elderly adults around the world is Urinary incontinence. This health problem is not only confined to the sphere of physical discomfort but it also causes embarrassment and social isolation, which often lead to depression. Urologists who have to deal with Urinary incontinence very often opines that at least 1 out of 10 people above 65 years of age are suffering from Urinary incontinence. In India over 50 million people are suffering from urinary incontinence, it is twice more common in females in comparison to males up to the age of 80, after 80 both the s*xes are equally affected.It is also referred to as Bladder weakness or Over active bladder (OAB) depending upon the causes & symptoms. Millions of people suffer from it. A hospital based cross sectional study shows that there are at least 21.8% of women who are suffering from urinary incontinence.It can be caused by everyday habits, underlying medical conditions or physical problems. A thorough evaluation by your doctor can help determine what's behind your incontinence.
Types of urinary incontinence :
Urinary incontinence isn't a disease, it's a symptom. To understand its multidimensionality can be classified according to the following types –
A)Temporary urinary incontinence
Certain drinks, foods and medications may act as diuretics — stimulating the bladder resulting in increased volume of urine, these include-
Alcohol
Caffeine
Carbonated drinks and sparkling water.
Artificial sweeteners
Chocolate
Chili peppers
Foods that are high in spice, sugar or acid, especially citrus fruits.
Heart and blood pressure medications, sedatives, and muscle relaxants.
Large doses of vitamin C
B)Urinary incontinence due to easily treatable medical condition
a)Urinary tract infection - It can irritate the bladder, leading to have strong urges to urinate, and sometimes incontinence.
b)Constipation - As the re**um is located near the bladder and shares many of the same nerves; hard, compacted stool in the re**um may stimulate some of the nerves and increase urinary frequency.
C)Persistent Urinary incontinence :
Urinary incontinence can also be a persistent condition caused by underlying physical problems or changes, including
i)Pregnancy - Hormonal changes and the increased weight of the fetus can lead to stress incontinence.
ii)Childbirth - Vaginal delivery can weaken muscles needed for bladder control and also damage bladder nerves and supportive tissue, leading to a dropped (pr*****ed) pelvic floor. With prolapse, the bladder, uterus, re**um or small intestine can get pushed down from the usual position and protrude into the va**na. Such protrusions can be associated with incontinence.
iii)Elderly age - Ageing of the bladder muscle can decrease the bladder's capacity to store urine, also involuntary bladder contractions become more frequent as you get older.
iv)Menopause - After menopause women produce less estrogen, a hormone that helps keep the lining of the bladder and urethra healthy. Deterioration of these tissues can aggravate incontinence.
v)Hysterectomy - In women, the bladder and uterus are supported by many of the same muscles and ligaments. Any surgery that involves a woman's reproductive system, including removal of the uterus, may damage the supporting pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to incontinence.
vi)Enlarged prostate - Especially in older men, incontinence often stems from enlargement of the prostate gland, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia.
vii)Prostate cancer - In men, stress incontinence or urge incontinence can be associated with untreated prostate cancer. But more often, incontinence is a side effect of treatments for prostate cancer.
viii)Obstruction - A tumor anywhere along your urinary tract can block the normal flow of urine, leading to overflow incontinence. Urinary stones — hard, stone-like masses that form in the bladder — sometimes cause urine leakage.
ix)Neurological disorders - Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, a stroke, a brain tumor or a spinal injury can interfere with nerve signals involved in bladder control, causing urinary incontinence.
Manifestations of Urinary incontinence :
Though roughly urgency, frequency and inability to control the urge are considered as Urinary incontinence but to describe it in a broader spectrum the manifestations are classified into the following types –
a)Stress incontinence – Leakage of urine while coughing, laughing, sneezing, lifting heavy things etc.
b)Urge incontinence – Leakage of urine due to hyperactivity of the bladder.
c)Mixed incontinence – Leakage of urine due to both Stress and Mixed incontinence.
d)Obstructive incontinence – This generally happens to males, urge is felt after urinating in case of prostatic hypertrophy or stone.
Preventive measures :
Urinary incontinence isn't always preventable. However, to help decrease your risk:
a)Maintain a healthy weight
b)Practice pelvic floor exercises
c)Avoid bladder irritants, such as caffeine, alcohol and acidic foods
d)Eat more fiber, which can prevent constipation, a cause of urinary incontinence
In homoeopathy there are a lot of homoeopathic medicines e.g; Causticum, Hepar.sulph, Kreosote, Lyssinum, Merc.sol, Nux.vom, Sarsaparilla, Sulphur, Sepia, Thuja etc. Which are very efficacious to manage Urinary incontinence. So don’t be embarrassed opt homoeopathy and lead a healthy blissful life