Regaining Bladder Control with COPD Through Treatment & Products

Navigating Bladder Control Issues Related to COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes increasing damage to the lungs over time, making breathing difficult. As the condition progresses, COPD patients often develop a host of other issues that severely impact quality of life. Loss of bladder control is one such problem that stems from chronic coughing, low oxygen levels, and reduced mobility.

Coping with incontinence poses physical, mental, and emotional challenges for those with COPD. The good news is there are many ways to alleviate annoying leakage and better manage bladder control through lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy, and medications. Lets explore the connection between COPD and bladder dysfunction and identify proactive solutions to start taking back control even as the disease advances.

How COPD Impacts Bladder Control

Several factors associated with COPD can contribute to temporary or persistent urine leakage issues known medically as urinary incontinence.

Chronic Cough

Frequent heavy coughing spells common in COPD patients puts tremendous pressure on the bladder which can easily override its storage capacitythresholds. This leads to accidental leakage of small to moderate volumes of urine, especially during harsh fits of coughing.

Weakened Pelvic Muscles

Years of persistent heavy coughing with COPD often weakens pelvic floor muscles which are critical for bladder support and continent function. Additionally, low oxygen levels over time linked to lung function decline can cause general bodily muscle deterioration.

Excess Mucus Buildup

Chronic mucus production typical of COPD mayBlockages from excess respiratory mucus can partially obstruct pathwaysbetween the bladder and urethra. This resistance can interfere with normal urination, increase urgency and accidents.

Medications

Certain COPD medications like steroids and muscle relaxants are infamous for increased urination and incontinence as potential side effects.

Immobility

Severe COPD often restricts mobility from shortness of breath which can makequickly getting to the bathroom more challenging before accidents.

Common Types of Urinary Incontinence

The most prevalent forms of leakage associated with COPD stem from temporary urges and chronic cough pressure:

Urge Incontinence

Strong, sudden urges to urinate occurfrequently which can be difficult to suppress long enough find arestroom. This causes accidental release of small to moderate amounts of urine inbetween successful toilet visits.It primarily results from bladder muscle dysfunction.

Stress Incontinence

Urine uncontrollably leaks out during physical movements that increaseabdominal pressure such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting. Damaged pelvic floor muscles fail to counteract surges in abdominal pressure. Light exercise can also induce leakage.

Overflow Incontinence

This occurs when the bladder doesnt empty fully, causing constant urine dribbling due to the excess volume. Overflow incontinence is less associatedwith COPD but can happen from high mucus obstruction or severe mobility impairment restricting bathroom access for complete emptying.

Treatments to Regain Bladder Control

Implementing lifestyle modifications, physical therapy exercises, and urinary retention medications can all help substantially regain bladder controland minimize episodes of incontinence related to COPD.

Lifestyle Adjustments

• Avoid bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol and acidic foods
• Increase daily fluid intake to keep urine diluted
• Follow a schedule for bathroom visits to urinate frequently
• Perform light pelvic floor muscle exercises
• Use a urinal or portablecommode near your bed or favorite chair for quick access
• Wear absorbent pads tocatch occasional leakage

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

A pelvic floor PT regimen helps substantially tighten and strengthen weakened musclesaround the bladder responsible for retention and control. Kegel exercises performed properly supplemented with biofeedback, electronic stimulation, ultrasound and specialized equipment can restore muscle function even in severe COPD.

Medications

A variety of prescription medications can help keep urgency and incontinence episodes in check:

• Anticholinergics block signals that trigger abnormal bladder contractions
• Beta-3 agonists help relax overactive bladder muscles
• Desmopressin is an anti-diuretic hormone helping retain fluids
• Mirabegron soothes spasms causing urge leakage

Combining several medication types alongside lifestyle changes yields the most dramatic improvements in bladder control for COPD patients. Track your leakage frequency to identify optimal prescription adjustments with your doctor.

Specialized Products for Managing COPD Incontinence

The right products tailored to managing urine leakage provide protection, security and confidence for COPD patients during activity and rest. This arsenal of items helps preserve quality life in the face of progressive lung deterioration:

Absorbent Pads

Pads worn in the underwear provide the first line of defense catching small drips during fitful coughing or leaks from urgency. Look for ultra-thin pads offering maximum moisture absorption without bulk.

Adult Diapers

For severe incontinence, adult diapers with maximum absorbency provide total security against large volume floods of urine during intense activity like exercise or coughing attacks. Breathable designs specifically for adults avoid sweating and skin irritation.

Disposable Underpads

Reusable underpads placed on beds, chairs and sofas absorb any leakage over time without harming cushions and mattresses. Some feature waterproof backing to provide an extra moisture barrier.

Urinals

Compact female and male urinals allow quick, secure urination from bed when coughing spells strike or mobility challenges restrict bathroom access. Irrigator bags then simplify clean disposal after each use.

Bedside Commodes

Comfortable commode chairs stationed bedside or wherever needed most give COPD sufferers an easily accessible toilet option. Some even have built-in bidet functions for convenient cleansing and pad changing areas.

Wetness Sensors

High tech sensors that connect to alarms alert caregivers to accidents the instant moisture is detected. This allows immediate pad changes to avoid rashes plus Quick cleanup of any bedspread seepage.

Seeking Medical Guidance

Addressing frustrations and limitations surrounding COPD related incontinence issues should involve your doctor, respiratory specialist, and urologist or urogynecologist. Open conversations lead to faster relief through accurate diagnosis and combined treatment planning monitoring lung and urinary functions in tandem.

Tracking details like cough frequency, symptom triggers, leakage amounts, and pelvic discomfort guides tailored therapy. Customized lifestyle planning around oxygen needs, living spaces, mobility limitations and behavioral signals prevents accidents. Medical teams help devise step-wise plans as COPD progresses so patients can preemptively access the next level of bladder control care before major dilemmas occur.

Never accept bladder dysfunction as an inevitable outcome of advancing COPD. The latest treatment innovations offer hope for minimizing frustrating leakage and associated emotional burdens even amid gradually declining pulmonary function. Patients willing to actively engage in specialized regimens can still enjoy enriched quality of life and retained dignity by working closely with knowledgeable providers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.