Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. It has several causes, including getting older, childbirth, nerve damage, and other interrelated conditions. The severity of urinary incontinence varies. An individual may leak urine occasionally or only during physical activity, or there may be no warning at all before a sudden and intense urge to urinate.
If you are currently living with incontinence, you are certainly not the only one. In fact, it’s quite common; people just don’t talk as openly or comfortably about it as they do about other conditions. According to the Urinary Care Foundation, a quarter to a third of men and women in the United States have some form of urinary incontinence. When medication or other treatment methods, such as surgery, are not enough, intermittent catheters may be prescribed to help manage the incontinence.
As we enter the winter season, it’s important to prepare yourself for the symptoms of urinary incontinence to maintain your daily life.
Tips For Managing Urinary Incontinence
Stay Hydrated
It might seem counter-intuitive to drink more liquids to manage urinary incontinence. Still, hydration is important for managing the urinary system and maintaining the health of your entire body. Dehydration can cause thickening of the urine, which may irritate the bladder. You lose water every time you breathe, especially in the cold, dry weather in winter. Even though you may not feel dehydrated, monitor your fluid intake to be on the safe side.
Avoid Diuretics
Pay attention to the types of fluid you drink. In winter, you may be more likely to drink tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, which all contain levels of caffeine. Caffeine is a known diuretic, which can irritate the bladder and worsen the symptoms of incontinence.
Empty Your Bladder Before Leaving the House
Symptoms of urinary incontinence often come without warning. When you know you will be away from your house, use the restroom beforehand. This will help ensure your bladder is empty, which is even more important in winter. Extreme weather occurrences are more likely in winter, which could create airline or traffic delays.
Where to Buy Catheters Online for Managing Incontinence
If you use intermittent catheters, contact 180 Medical today. We’re glad to help you learn more about our wide selection of high-quality products and treat you to our renowned customer service.
