Overflow Incontinence - Causes Explained

Overflow Incontinence

It often surprises many people to learn that not all incontinence is the same. There are many different types of incontinence that are brought on by different causes. One of the most common types of incontinence is referred to as overflow incontinence. This happens when the bladder becomes filled beyond its capacity and then overflows. This results in leakage and accidents. It is also important to note that this can happen at night as well as during the day.

There are many different causes of overflow incontinence. However, most overflow incontinence results from two very specific conditions. These conditions are-

1. The patient has weak bladder muscles that prevent the bladder from completely emptying. Because the bladder never completely empties it can fill beyond its capacity. This in turn results in overflow incontinence.
2. The patient has a blockage that has occurred. This is especially common in men who are experiencing overflow incontinence. This is mostly likely the result of having an enlarged prostate gland. The blockage does not allow the bladder to fully empty, causing it to overfill. The resulting pressure causes urine leakage.

Less common causes of overflow incontinence are-

1. The patient has a narrow bladder neck or urethra. This can have occurred naturally or be the result of previous abdominal or bladder surgery.
2. The patient may have stones in the urinary tract.
3. The patient may be experiencing constipation which in turn puts pressure on the neck of the bladder and the urethra.
4. That patient may have nerve damage from certain diseases. This is especially common if the patient has diabetes.
5. The patient may be taking medications that negatively paralyze the bladder as a side effect.

Watch this video.  How to choose the right incontinence product. 

The bottom line is that if you are experiencing any symptoms of incontinence you should immediately seek out a medical evaluation. Your doctor may want you to keep a log that details what you eat and drink in addition, to keeping a record of your toileting habits and incontinence accidents. Your doctor will also want to take a detailed medical history. This will help him or her determine both the cause of the incontinence and the most appropriate treatment.

Once your health care professional has determined the cause of the incontinence they can recommend the right treatment. However, it is important for both the patient and any caregivers to understand that treatment for incontinence can take time. This means that you will need to take steps to manage the incontinence in the mean time.

It should also be stressed that incontinence is never just a result of growing older. Any doctor who tries to pass off incontinence symptoms as part of aging should be disregarded. Experienced health care professionals know that most often incontinence symptoms are a sign of an underlying condition or cause and should be viewed as such. Keep in mind that the sooner the incontinence is diagnosed the sooner it can be treated.

To find out more about all aspects of incontinence please visit http://caregiverpartnership.com/landing/incontinence.

For help and guidance in selecting incontinence products please click on http://caregiverpartnership.com/incontinence-product-finder.

Call us.  We're here to help you.

The Caregiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their care giving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The Caregiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wis. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

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