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| Incontinence Related Odor Problems |
Urinary incontinence comes with a host of social problems. From using protection discreetly to adequate bathroom breaks at work. However, one often under discussed problem related to urinary incontinence is that of odor control. If you are suffering from incontinence related odor problems what can you do? What can be done to keep the smells of incontinence at a minimum?
Consider the following:
First, help your urine to have less odor, and second keep yourself clean and sanitary. If your urine does not smell, then you will have less concern about leaks from urinary incontinence causing odor problems. But how can you help reduce the amount of odor in your urine?
1. Hydrate. Being properly hydrated will reduce the odor in your urine because it will not be as concentrated. The more concentrated urine is, the stronger it smells. So drink plenty of water each day to dilute the urine and reduce the odor. This can also help with incontinence because too concentrated of urine will irritate the bladder, causing more frequent urges.
2. Treat infections. If you are drinking plenty of fluids and your urine is still stinking, it is possible you have a urinary tract infection, which is common with incontinent individuals. Get it treated, as this can cause a bad smell in the urine. Often an antibiotic can help clear the problem up, and eliminate the odor.
3. Consider your diet. What you eat will impact the odor of your urine. If you are eating foods that cause strong odors, such as asparagus, consider a change to your diet. Coffee is also a culprit. If you are unsure if your diet is the culprit, write down what you are eating, then test by eliminating one item at a time until you discover which is making the odor.
4. Drink cranberry juice. Cranberry juice will increase the acidity of your urine, which naturally reduces its odor. However, acidic beverages can increase the urge to go, so only use this option if your urine odor is bad and the other options are not working.
5. Use the right absorbent products. Many absorbent products have fluid collectors that neutralize odor. Look for products with odor reducers, not perfumes to cover odor. Use the Incontinence Product Finder: Helping you to quickly and easily sort through over 500 choices.
6. Keep yourself clean. After each episode be sure to clean thoroughly and properly. Also wear clean undergarments, and bathe regularly. Keeping yourself clean, as well as your clothes, bedding, etc. can help reduce odor.
7. Consider deodorizing tablets. Products like Derifil and Nullo will help neutralize the smell of urine. These are often tablets you ingest.
8. Consider Vitamin C tablets. Vitamin C will deodorize urine, but can interact with other medications, so only take it with the permission of a doctor.
It is possible you are not even aware of your odor, so ask a loved one or trusted friend to let you know if you have an odor problem related to incontinence. If you do, take steps to treat it.
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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving 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, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.
First, help your urine to have less odor, and second keep yourself clean and sanitary. If your urine does not smell, then you will have less concern about leaks from urinary incontinence causing odor problems. But how can you help reduce the amount of odor in your urine?
1. Hydrate. Being properly hydrated will reduce the odor in your urine because it will not be as concentrated. The more concentrated urine is, the stronger it smells. So drink plenty of water each day to dilute the urine and reduce the odor. This can also help with incontinence because too concentrated of urine will irritate the bladder, causing more frequent urges.
2. Treat infections. If you are drinking plenty of fluids and your urine is still stinking, it is possible you have a urinary tract infection, which is common with incontinent individuals. Get it treated, as this can cause a bad smell in the urine. Often an antibiotic can help clear the problem up, and eliminate the odor.
3. Consider your diet. What you eat will impact the odor of your urine. If you are eating foods that cause strong odors, such as asparagus, consider a change to your diet. Coffee is also a culprit. If you are unsure if your diet is the culprit, write down what you are eating, then test by eliminating one item at a time until you discover which is making the odor.
4. Drink cranberry juice. Cranberry juice will increase the acidity of your urine, which naturally reduces its odor. However, acidic beverages can increase the urge to go, so only use this option if your urine odor is bad and the other options are not working.
5. Use the right absorbent products. Many absorbent products have fluid collectors that neutralize odor. Look for products with odor reducers, not perfumes to cover odor. Use the Incontinence Product Finder: Helping you to quickly and easily sort through over 500 choices.
6. Keep yourself clean. After each episode be sure to clean thoroughly and properly. Also wear clean undergarments, and bathe regularly. Keeping yourself clean, as well as your clothes, bedding, etc. can help reduce odor.
7. Consider deodorizing tablets. Products like Derifil and Nullo will help neutralize the smell of urine. These are often tablets you ingest.
8. Consider Vitamin C tablets. Vitamin C will deodorize urine, but can interact with other medications, so only take it with the permission of a doctor.
It is possible you are not even aware of your odor, so ask a loved one or trusted friend to let you know if you have an odor problem related to incontinence. If you do, take steps to treat it.
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About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving 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, Wisc. Visithttp://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.
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