What Are Some of the Most Common Causes of Incontinence?

Home Care in Water Mill NY

If your elderly loved one is having issues with incontinence, she may not even be sure why it’s occurring. There are so many contributing factors to incontinence and your loved one might be experiencing several of them at the same time.

Weak Bladder Muscles

If your elderly loved one’s bladder muscles are weakened for any reason, her bladder will have a difficult time properly containing even a small amount of urine. Your loved one’s doctor can determine whether exercises, medication, or a combination of the two can help to strengthen her bladder muscles.

Too Much Caffeine or Alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol can each cause your loved one’s bladder to have a difficult time containing liquid. Everyone has a different level of tolerance, too, so it may not be that your loved one is actually consuming a lot of either caffeine or alcohol. She may simply be taking in too much for her body’s tolerance.

Emotional Stress

Emotional stress can cause your loved one’s bladder to have problems, too. This can be particularly true if your loved one is dealing with other issues, such as dementia.

An Enlarged Prostate

In men, an enlarged prostate can press on your loved one’s bladder and cause incontinence. An enlarged prostate can be a sign of other problems, so be sure to talk with your loved one’s doctor about other tests that may be necessary.

Urinary Tract Issues

An infection in the urinary tract or even bladder stones can cause irritation and swelling in your loved one’s bladder, leading to a lack of urinary control. Treating the underlying condition can often resolve the incontinence.

Old Health Issues

Old health issues, such as surgery, can leave your loved one’s bladder weakened. Other more temporary conditions, such as childbirth, can also leave their marks on your loved one’s bladder.

Medication Side Effects

If your loved one is taking quite a few medications, there is a possibility that side effects can contribute to episodes of incontinence. Talk to your loved one’s doctor if you suspect that medication side effects could be part of the problem.

Your loved one’s doctor can help you narrow down the causes that affect her the most and determine a solution. Work with your loved one and her home care providers to put the plan into effect.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional home care in Water Mill, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.