As people age, incontinence often occurs. Aging, illness, or injury often sparks problems with the urinary system. The muscles in and around the bladder and urethra tend to become weaker with age. Weak bladder muscles result in not being able to empty the bladder completely, which can result in urinary tract infections. Weak muscles of the sphincters and pelvis can lead to urinary incontinence because the sphincter muscles cannot remain tight enough to hold urine in the bladder, or the bladder does not have enough support from the pelvic muscles to stay in its proper position.
One test often used by doctors is urodynamic testing. The type of urodynamic test needed depends on what urinary problems your elderly parent is experiencing.
Urodynamics is a study that assesses how the bladder and urethra are performing their job of storing and releasing urine. Urodynamic tests help your doctor or nurse see how well your bladder and sphincter muscles work and can help explain symptoms such as:
- Incontinence
- Frequent urination
- Sudden, strong urges to urinate
- Problems starting a urine stream
- Painful urination
- Problems emptying your bladder completely
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
Your parent's doctor will want to know whether your parent has difficulty starting a urine stream, how hard they have to strain to maintain it, whether the stream is interrupted, and whether any urine is left in the bladder when they are done.
Your parent may have mild discomfort for a few hours after these tests when they urinate. Drinking an 8-ounce glass of water each half-hour for 2 hours should help. Ask your doctor whether your parent can take a warm bath. If not, you may be able to hold a warm, damp washcloth over the urethral opening to relieve the discomfort.
To find out about more testing procedures for incontinence and urinary problems, read the full article, visit http://www.agingcare.com/133821
For more information on caring for an elderly parent, please visit www.agingcare.com.
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