Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/736806
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 9 OCTOBER 2016 Elderly Care III URINARY incontinence is a problem of the urinary system, which consists of two kidneys each connected to a bladder via a tube called a ureter. A single tube, the urethra, connects the bladder to the outside of the body. Kidneys remove waste prod- ucts from the blood and produce urine. The ureters move urine from the kidneys to store it in the bladder until it flows out of the body through the urethra. A circular muscle called the sphincter controls the activity of the urethra. In normal circumstances, the bladder stores urine until it is convenient to urinate, but incon- tinence can result when part of the urinary system malfunctions. What is incontinence? Incontinence means the invol- untary loss of bladder or bowel control and is a symptom not a condition in itself. There are a wide variety of conditions and disorders that can bring about incontinence, including birth defects, the effects of surgery, nerve damage, infection, and changes associated with ageing. It can also occur as a result of pregnancy or childbirth. Incontinence exists among children, men and women of all ages. At some stage during their lives, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men will be affected. The scale of the condition var- ies too – in the case of urinary incontinence, from small and infrequent dribbles, to the occa- sional loss of bladder control or a total inability to hold urine. Incontinence and ageing Ageing causes a number of changes in the urinary system that can cause incontinence: - Less bladder elasticity – low- ers capacity and causes more frequent voids - Higher urine volume – kid- neys less efficient at concentrat- ing urine - Weaker detrusor muscle causing incomplete emptying - Increase in spontaneous con- tractions of detrusor muscle - Less able to postpone urina- tion - Less urethral closing pressure However, despite affecting a large number of older men and women, urinary incontinence should not be seen as a normal part of ageing. It is a disruption of the physical and/or mental processes of storing urine and emptying the bladder at a con- venient time, a disruption which can often be treated. Many older people are unduly affected by the inconvenience and embarrassment of incon- tinence. Professional care can help many patients and their families manage the condition successfully. Discreet and ef- fective incontinence protection plays a key role in minimising the effects and helping restore normal life. Achieving continence for the frail elderly The frail elderly are often in need of professional continence care – in their own homes or in a nursing home. Clearly the increasing effects of ageing on the urinary system are the main reason for this however there can be other issues such as lack of mobility or dementia. A difficulty in reaching the toilet or in communicating the need to urinate creates a need for continence care. Achieving continence is par- ticularly important because of the severely debilitating effect of incontinence on the frail elderly. There is an increased risk of skin conditions and bedsores, infections and sleep difficulties, not to mention the emotional distress and social problems that can arise. The health and happiness of those in need of care can be safeguarded through good management of incontinence episodes. This can often be self-management by working with the patient to help them recognise the best way forward. Caregivers can also re-evaluate their choices of products and routines to ensure the effects of incontinence are minimised. It's important to reassure your loved one that incontinence is not their fault; usually it's a consequence or symptom of some other underlying condition. Not understanding this can be distressing for your loved one and may even reduce their qual- ity of life if they feel they have failed in some way. Understand- ing the medical causes will help alleviate any feelings of personal responsibility. Incontinence products TENA® products absorb leak- age and neutralise the smell, so you can work, socialise and do the activities you love without worries TENA® products are specifi- cally developed to take care of urine leakage, unlike for example sanitary pads. They also neutral- ise the smell from ammonia that results from bacteria processing the urine. TENA® incontinence protec- tion comes in a wide range of products, each in different absorbency levels and sizes – all so you can find the perfect solu- tion that fits you. In the range there are also products that help people who need care and as- sistance. For more information visit: tena.com.mt The anatomy of incontinence TENA Pants TENA Pants (unisex) has all the premium features to provide increased independence with total comfort and security TENA is available from Pharmacies and Supermarkets For your FREE SAMPLE kindly e-mail tena@pharma-cos.com or call 2144 1870 www.tena.com.mt Perhaps you're one of the millions who experience bladder weakness. Or maybe you're looking after a loved one or working in a professional incontinence care capacity. TENA incontinence protection comes in a wide range of products, each in different absorbency levels and sizes – all so you can nd the perfect solution that ts you. Body close t for more secure feeling 1 2 FeelDry® for excellent absorption Soft breathable material for skin integrity Underwear-like for easy use and to promote toileting 3 4