Managing Urinary Incontinence With Absorbent Products

Your ability to control urination or defecation requires: a normal anatomy, a normally functioning nervous system and, being able to determine and respond to the warning signs of an impending bathroom call. Incontinence is the involuntary discharge of urine or faeces due to a lack of control by the bladder or bowels and occurs because one or more of the afore-mentioned organs are not functioning as it should.

Its causes (urinary tract infections, neurological disorders. weakened pelvic and/or sphincter muscles, enlarged prostrate, medication and other pre-existing conditions) and types (urge, stress, mixed, faecal etc.) are varied and likewise is its treatment. The main approaches to treating incontinence are: behavioral (Pelvic muscle rehabilitation, bladder retraining, Toilet scheduling) medicinal and surgical. However, regardless of the type and treatment required, there’ll likely be a period during which a less invasive method of management is necessary. The focus of this document is to assist you in making the right decision in selecting an absorbent product that will enable you to continue participating in normal everyday activities. These are products which absorbs urine:  adult diapers, plastic-coated underwear and pads, or panty liners that can be used to manage any form of incontinence.You're Not Alone

Pads and Liners

There are number of pads and guards designed for men and women who experience the loss of small to moderate amounts of urine.  These pads are manufactured to absorb fluid more effectively with: a waterproof back, a pad containing a gel-forming polymer and an adhesive strip which fastens the product to your underclothing. They are meant to be worn inside your underwear, come in varying sizes, have different levels of absorbency and can be disposable. The padding and gel are made specifically to handle the chemical composition of urine thus ensuring maximum protection. Liners are similar in content to pads and are both longer and wider while offering better front-to-back protection; many are made with elastic gussets on the sides to fit the curvature of the body and help prevent leakage. Alternatively there are belted undergarments which replace ordinary underpants. This device includes: a belt with attachments of either buttons or velcro at the front and rear to which a pad is secured. The belt is made of elastic which facilitates easy removal (for toilet use) or change.

Disposable Underwear

Disposable briefs are designed for moderate to heavy incontinence and are similar in appearance to baby diapers. The difference being that, there are two or three tape closures on either side to provide additional security. They are manufactured with a plastic or thread-like waterproof and absorbent padding, which contains gel-forming polymer to absorb urine. They offer different levels of absorbency, shell structure. and odor control. In choosing one, you need to be aware of the benefits and drawbacks of each. Cheap briefs appear to save on cost. However, their level of absorbency is relatively low and their shell casing have a fragile plastic backing that tears easily,  are often noisy and the fasteners are unreliable. This means that the frequency of change occurs more often than the more expensive brands which offer a noiseless cloth-like or more robust shell covering with tapes which can be refastened repeatedly.  This type of product is also available as one-piece absorbent underpants (pull-ups). The preferred type of briefs depends on the choice of each individual, based on their precise situation. For an active person a disposable brief of good quality is more reliable, providing protection for a longer period of time and safely allowing for a greater range of activity than any of the other products.

Reusable Products

For many people disposable products may be the only option, however, also available are reusable (washable) products for persons who may be experiencing slight to moderate incontinence. These include incontinence undergarments which resemble normal underwear, with sewn in absorbent pads and are available in a variety of absorbency levels for both men and women. There are:  contoured cloth diapers with a plastic covering, adult cloth diapers and vinyl, nylon and rubber waterproof outer pants that are worn over the undergarments providing an extra level of protection.

Bed and Chair Protection

For in-house usage there are also bed and chair protectors.  Underpads are flat absorbent pads which are used to protect mattresses, bed linens and chairs. These may be made with absorbent cotton flannel on one side with a waterproof backing and are available in be disposable or reusable formats. While underpads offer partial covering to bedding, mattress pads are used to cover the complete mattress and come in varying sizes to fit all mattresses.

Your choice of product should be determined by: your degree of incontinence, the product’s absorbency, durability, odor control proficiency, its comfort and ease of use, your lifestyle and the cost. With the right product and its proper use you can live a normal life and continue to participate in most activities. Although cost is a factor you need to consider the old adage “it’s better to be safe than sorry” and not let it be the major factor in choosing the right product.

© 2012 Goldeneramart.com - All Rights Reserved

H. Nurse

http://www.goldeneramart.com

Urinary Incontinence a Clearer Picture: Fact & Fiction

Urinary incontinence is the involuntary discharge of urine. The ability to control urination requires: a normal anatomy, a normally functioning nervous system and the ability to determine and respond to the warning signs of impending urination. Urinary incontinence occurs when one is unable to control the flow, causing leakage or in severe cases an inability to retain urine. This can be precipitated by everyday actions: coughing, standing up, laughing, running, sneezing etc.

Due to the nature of this affliction it is not a topic which is openly discussed, thus many falsehoods abound. Here’s an attempt to separate some of the facts from fiction.

Fiction: Incontinence is a disease.

Fact: Incontinence is merely a symptom of a pre-existing condition and can occur due to a number of extenuating circumstances: prostate surgery, menopause or child birth, a nervous system disorder, side effects of some medication, a birth defect, and loss of estrogen in women and enlargement of the prostate in men.

Fiction: Incontinence is a rare ailment.

Fact: The nature of the ailment and the reluctance of sufferers to openly discuss it lead to most people suffering in silence and by extension to the misconception that it’s an uncommon problem. The ‘National Association for Continence’ estimates that 200 million people worldwide (25 million American adults) have experienced some degree of incontinence.

Fiction: I’m in perfect health and therefore I’m not at risk

Fact: In and of itself there are no particular risk factors involved for either of the sexes. As previously indicated one can become incontinent by unforeseen circumstances, making us all likely candidates.

Fiction: Only “old people” get incontinence.

Fact: Although it may be perceived as an affliction of senior citizens it can affect people of all ages and sexes. The risk does increase with age due to weakening of the pelvic muscles and enlargement of the prostate gland. However it cannot be considered an age related ailment, surveys have found that 1 in 4 women over may experience episodes of involuntary leakage and both sexes age 30 - 70 have experienced incontinence occasional or chronic symptoms at some point as adults. Incontinence affects the following groups of people:

• 10% of six-year-olds
• One in four women middle-aged or older
• 15% of all men aged 60 years and over
• Many individuals with neurological disorders and spinal cord

Fiction: There are no solutions if you’re incontinent. Just live with it,

Fact: There are many types of incontinence (e.g. stress, urge, mixed) and they can all be treated, cured or managed successfully. Regardless of age or gender there are many available treatment options. Your doctor will determine which is right for you based on the nature, cause and severity of your ailment.

Fiction: The only available options are medication and/or surgery

Fact: It is widely accepted that Kegel exercises can play a huge role in treating and in some cases even reversing the effects of incontinence. Kegel exercises consist of contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles thereby strengthening them and allow one greater control of  the pelvic floor muscles which controls the bladder. There are exercises for both men and women. Magnesium, vitamin D, a healthy body weight, and abstaining from smoking, alcohol and caffeine are also known to play a role in the improvement of this affliction.

Fiction: Incontinence can be fatal.

Fact: Incontinence is neither fatal nor life threatening. However its impact is such that one’s quality of life can be greatly affected. Due to the fear of “accidents” persons with this affliction tend to place severe restrictions on their social activities, leading to self imposed isolation and depression.

Incontinence should neither be ignored nor kept to oneself. Though not fatal it can lead to negative lifestyle changes which can be devastating. It is an indication of an impending or pre-existing condition which necessitates a visit to your medical practitioner without delay. Like any major ailment an early diagnosis can make a world of difference.

© 2010 Goldeneramart.com - All Rights Reserved

For a wide choice of incontinent products including: adult diapers and other protective underwear visit http://www.goldeneramart.com/incontinence_product/. For additional items visit http://www.goldeneramart.com for blood pressure machines, diabetic supplies, mobility aids and much more.