It is caused by specific changes in body function that often result from diseases or use of medications. If untreated, incontinence can increase the chance of skin irritation and might raise the risk of developing bed sores. Persons who have problems controlling urine should seek prompt medical care to determine the cause and lessen the chance of other problems. Even when incontinence cannot be completely cured, modern products and ways of managing the condition can ease the discomfort and inconvenience it causes. Incontinence may be brought on by an illness accompanied by fatigue, confusion, or hospital admission.
Incontinence is sometimes the first and only symptom of a urinary tract infection.
Curing the illness usually will relieve or clear up the incontinence. It occurs most often in women. Urge incontinence is the inability to hold urine long enough to reach a toilet. It is often found in people who have conditions such as a stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, but it can occur in otherwise healthy older persons. Overflow incontinence is the leakage of small amounts of urine from a bladder that is always full.