How do you treat urinary incontinence in Parkinson’s patients?
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological condition that impairs bodily motion. It happens when the neurons that generate dopamine, a neurotransmitter that aids in controlling movement, are harmed or destroyed. Tremors, rigidity, slower movement, and issues with balance and coordination are all signs of Parkinson’s disease.
According to the Parkinson’s founction, Up to 40% of people with PD urinary problem.
An ordinary non-motor sign of Parkinson’s disease is urinary incontinence, or the involuntary flow of pee. This can happen for a number of causes, such as a weak or hyperactive bladder muscle, decreased bladder feeling, or issues with brain-bladder coordination.
Patients with Parkinson’s disease have access to a range of therapeutic options for treating urine incontinence, including pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder retraining, medication, and surgery. It’s essential to collaborate with a healthcare professional to create a personalised treatment plan if patients with Parkinson’s disease are to manage urine incontinence properly and enhance their overall quality of life.
Understanding Urinary Incontinence in Parkinson’s
Types of urinary incontinence:
Stress incontinence: This occurs when there is increased pressure on the bladder due to physical activity, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising. Stress incontinence is more common in women with PD than in men.
Urge incontinence: This occurs when there is an uncontrollable urge to urinate and is often accompanied by a sudden, strong need to urinate. Parkinson’s patients with urge incontinence may also experience nocturia, which is waking up at night to urinate.
Mixed incontinence: This occurs when a person experiences both stress and urge incontinence. Parkinson’s patients with mixed incontinence may have difficulty controlling their bladder during physical activity as well as experiencing a sudden, strong urge to urinate.
Overflow incontinence: This occurs when the bladder is full but cannot empty properly, leading to involuntary leakage of urine. Parkinson’s patients with overflow incontinence may have weak bladder muscles, obstruction in the urinary tract, or other medical conditions that affect bladder function.
Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence in Parkinson’s
Bladder training: Bladder training is a technique used to help individuals increase the amount of time between trips to the bathroom. This intervention involves setting a schedule for urination and gradually increasing the time between trips to the bathroom. The goal is to train the bladder to hold more urine and reduce the frequency of urination.
Pelvic floor muscle exercises: Pelvic floor muscle exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, involve contracting and relaxing the muscles that support the bladder, urethra, and rectum. These exercises can help improve the strength and tone of these muscles, which can improve bladder control and reduce the risk of urinary incontinence.
Medications: can also be prescribed to help manage urinary incontinence. Anticholinergics, for example, can help relax overactive bladder muscles, while beta-3 agonists can help increase bladder capacity. However, medication is not always effective and can have side effects.
In some cases, surgical interventions may be necessary. Sacral neuromodulation involves implanting a device that stimulates the nerves that control the bladder, while bladder augmentation involves increasing the size of the bladder to reduce incontinence. These procedures are typically reserved for severe cases of urinary incontinence that have not responded to other treatments.
Physiotherapists can play a critical role in providing education and guidance on pelvic floor muscle exercises, while Urologists and Neurologists can help diagnose and manage the underlying conditions that contribute to urinary incontinence.
Lifestyle Changes to Manage Urinary Incontinence in Parkinson’s
Urinary urgency is a common symptom experienced by many people, and it can be caused by various conditions such as urinary tract infections, overactive bladder, or neurological disorders. Here are some strategies for managing urinary urgency:
Dietary modifications: Certain foods and beverages can irritate the bladder and worsen urinary urgency. These include caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and spicy foods. Avoiding or reducing these irritants in your diet may help alleviate symptoms.
Hygiene measures: Keeping the perineal area clean and dry is essential for preventing urinary tract infections and reducing irritation. Use gentle, fragrance-free soap and water to clean the area, and pat dry with a clean towel. Absorbent pads can also be useful for managing urinary leakage and keeping the area dry.
Scheduled toileting: Urinary urgency can be managed by establishing a regular toileting schedule. Try to urinate at set intervals throughout the day, even if you do not feel the urge to go. This can help retrain your bladder and reduce the frequency of urgency.
Double voiding: Double voiding involves emptying your bladder twice in a row to ensure it is completely emptied. This can be helpful for reducing the frequency of urgency and preventing urinary tract infections.
Conclusion:
People with parkinson’s urinary problem manage by plevic floor exercises, bladder training, medication and in some cases with surgical intervation.
I hope will blog will helpfull in managing your urinary problem. if you have any questions please comments below
