Kuala lumpur: Many people assume that bladder control problems are just a minor issue or a normal part of ageing, and therefore choose to ignore them without seeking medical attention. Some are also reluctant to see a doctor out of embarrassment, even when their social life is affected by symptoms such as sudden urine leakage or accidental leakage when laughing, coughing, or sneezing. However, medical experts warn that this condition, known as urinary incontinence, could be a sign of more serious underlying health issues, including cancer, kidney disease, or neurological disorders.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity consultant urologist Dr. Warren Lo Hwa Loon explained that urinary incontinence is not a disease in itself but rather a symptom caused by dysfunction involving the muscles, nerves, or structure of the urinary tract. He outlined different forms of urinary incontinence, namely overflow urinary incontinence, stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, and mixed urinary incontinence.
Overflow incontinence occurs when urine continuously dribbles out because the bladder cannot empty completely during urination. Stress incontinence, on the other hand, happens when urine leaks due to physical pressure on the bladder and abdomen, usually during coughing, sneezing, or laughing. Dr. Lo described urge incontinence as involving a sudden and intense need to urinate, often leaving patients unable to reach the toilet in time, linked to an overactive bladder. Mixed urinary incontinence occurs when an individual experiences more than one type of bladder control problem simultaneously, most commonly a combination of stress and urge incontinence.
Dr. Lo added that various underlying health conditions can cause urinary incontinence, depending on the specific type experienced by the individual. For example, overflow incontinence may arise from neurological disorders like spina bifida, brain-related issues such as Parkinson's disease, or damage from surgeries. He also mentioned systemic diseases like diabetes as common causes. Dr. Lo emphasized that lifestyle factors such as consuming caffeinated or alcoholic beverages can increase the risk of developing an overactive bladder.
The early warning signs of urinary incontinence include frequent urination, sudden urgency to use the toilet, urine leakage during daily activities, and difficulty emptying the bladder fully. Dr. Lo cautioned that every case of urinary leakage has an underlying cause and should not be ignored, as delaying medical evaluation could result in late diagnosis of serious or chronic illnesses.
He urged those experiencing bladder control issues to seek early medical assessment to identify the root cause and prevent more serious complications. Persistent urine leakage can lead to recurring urinary tract infections, pressure sores, and in severe cases, urosepsis. Moreover, prolonged urinary leakage may result in depression and social isolation, with financial burdens from purchasing disposable adult diapers.
Dr. Lo pointed out that there is no 'one-size-fits-all' treatment for urinary incontinence, as it must be tailored to the type and severity of the condition. He highlighted various treatment options, from pelvic floor exercises and medications to advanced procedures like sacral neuromodulation and Botox injections. Dr. Lo also addressed claims regarding traditional herbal remedies, stressing the lack of strong scientific evidence supporting such treatments.
In his view, public awareness about urinary incontinence must be improved, as all types of urinary incontinence are treatable, and patients should not suffer in silence but seek professional help and treatment.