Continence catalogue - Flipbook - Page 3
1
What is incontinence?
Incontinence can be a very upsetting condition both for those suffering with
it and the people around them. However, it is important to understand that
incontinence can happen for a variety of reasons. There are a number of
physical problems which directly affect the bladder and how it functions.
Causes of Incontinence
Incontinence can be caused by many different factors. While most cases of
urinary incontinence will have a physiological cause, other factors such as the
environment, social and psychological influences cannot be overlooked when
considering why someone has become incontinent. Other common causes are
health related and also age related.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine. It is a common
problem that affects approximately 6 million adults and 500,000 children over the
age of 5 in the UK.
There are several different type of urinary incontinence including;
•
Stress Incontinence.
•
Urge Incontinence.
•
Overflow Incontinence.
•
Mixed Incontinence.
•
Functional Incontinence.
This may happen all or most of the time or may just be a case of the occasional
unfortunate leakage. Urinary incontinence is far more common than faecal
incontinence – although both conditions affect millions of people every day.
Faecal Incontinence
This is an inability to control bowel movements, which means that faeces can leak
out uncontrollably. Some people may just pass a small amount when passing
wind, whilst others may have a complete loss of bowel control. This can severely
affect a person’s quality of life, self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.
Again, the most important point to remember is that everyone with incontinence,
whether Urinary or Faecal, can be helped and many can be completely cured. Find
out what you can do to help care for a loved one or where to get some more help.
Web www.homecaremedical.ie
Helping you care
