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Tips to Help You Manage Urinary Incontinence
Tips to Help You Manage Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a condition characterized by the loss of bladder control. It’s not a disease in itself but a symptom. It can be a temporary condition or persistent one, depending on the cause. Urinary incontinence can happen as a result of one’s diet, underlying medical condition, or physical problems.
Millions of American adults have urinary incontinence. While it’s common for women over the age of 50, it can happen to anyone including the younger population.
Different Types of Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence can be categorized into three: stress, urge, and overflow. It’s possible to have more than one or all of the types of urinary incontinence.
- Stress incontinence
Stress incontinence happens as a result of physical activity or body movement. Activities or movements caused by coughing, sneezing, laughing, or heavy lifting can put pressure on the bladder leading to temporary urinary incontinence.
Stress incontinence is more common among women than men. Despite its name, it isn’t related to psychological stress.
- Urge incontinence
Urge incontinence happens when a person has a strong urge to urinate. It is usually caused by abnormal contractions of the bladder.
Normally, it’s the sphincters that control the flow of the urine. But what happens to people with urge incontinence is that their bladder contracts force that is strong enough to override the sphincter muscles of the urethra.
There are several reasons that lead to abnormal contractions of the bladder. This can be due to damaged bladder as a result of a disease like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage, or irritated bladder.
- Overflow incontinence
Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder doesn’t empty properly. As a result, it leaks out. There are several reasons why this happens. It may be due to a nerve or muscle damage which can be caused by multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or spina bifida.
In some cases, overflow incontinence may be the result of obstruction which makes it difficult to empty the bladder. The obstruction can be due to an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or urethral stricture.
Causes of Urinary Incontinence
There are several causes of urinary incontinence. Some of these causes may only result to temporary condition while there are also those that lead to persistent and more serious cases of urinary incontinence.
Temporary Causes
Many cases of temporary incontinence are attributed to lifestyle choices like diet. Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can result to temporary incontinence as these drinks lead to temporary loss of bladder control.
Other causes of temporary incontinence include medications like those for hypertension, sedation, heart diseases, and for muscle relaxation. Constipation and urinary tract infection can also lead to this urinary problem.
Aging
Urinary incontinence can result from age-related changes to the lower urinary tract. Some of these changes include reduction in bladder capacity, decreased urinary flow rate, and uninhibited contractions. Coupled with chronic diseases, the risk for urinary incontinence increases with age.
Damage to the Pelvic Floor Muscles
Since pelvic floor muscles support the bladder, any condition that leads to damage of the pelvic floor muscles can lead to urinary incontinence. Surgery and childbirth can lead to weak or damaged pelvic floor muscles.
Enlargement of the Prostate
Enlargement of the prostate is one of the common causes of urinary incontinence among men. When the prostate enlarges, it can squeeze the urethra and in return, affects the flow of the urinary stream. A condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can lead to prostate enlargement.
Cancer
Some cancer types can lead to urinary incontinence. These include prostate cancer among men and bladder cancer for both men and women. Urinary incontinence can also be a side effect of cancer treatments.
Managing Urinary Incontinence
There’s nothing to be embarrassed about having urinary incontinence as there are several approaches for managing it. Some of the ways that can help you manage your urinary incontinence include:
- Use of absorbent products
Absorbent products like pads can be a great use for people with urinary incontinence. Pads or garments that are meant to absorb urine and protect the skin and clothing can be highly beneficial for those who have persistent incontinence despite treatments and medications. These products can also work great as temporary solution for patients who are awaiting surgery or waiting for definitive treatment for their urinary incontinence.
When using absorbent products, proper skin care and use of these products are encouraged to prevent skin breakdown and infections.
- Use of catheters
The use of catheters is often part of anti-incontinence therapy. It can serve as a temporary or permanent solution for overflow incontinence. It can help patients improve their bladder capacity and the voluntary detrusor pressure.
Self-catheterization is often advised to patients who can perform it.For those who can’t, an alternative solution is the use of indwelling Foley catheter.
Proper management of indwelling catheters should be observed including changing it at least once per month to prevent infection.
- Undergo pelvic floor rehabilitation
Pelvic floor rehabilitation which include pelvic floor exercises like Kegel exercise is shown to help improve the pelvic muscle tone and strength. This is an effective and a noninvasive solution for those with mild stress urinary incontinence.
Pelvic floor exercises involve lifting the levator ani muscles as if you’re controlling your urination or defecation with less contraction of your muscles in your abdomen, buttocks, or inner thighs.
- Lose weight
Obesity is a risk factor in the development of urinary incontinence. Hence, losing weight may help improve your condition.
In a study involving overweight and obese women, it shows that those who have lost weight experience a reduction in weekly urinary incontinence episodes by 47%.
- Change your diet
Because certain foods can trigger urinary frequency and incontinence, avoiding these foods can help in alleviating the urinary incontinence symptoms. Some of the foods and drinks to avoid include stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, spicy food, and citrus fruits. Avoiding these food and drinks may not totally eliminate the urinary incontinence symptoms but they can, at least, reduce it.
In contrast to what other people believed, drinking sufficient amount of fluids is still considered important even if you have urinary incontinence. Sufficient fluid intake can prevent infection, kidney stones, and constipation – all of which contribute to urinary incontinence.
Having urinary problem like incontinence can be difficult but with the help of certain products, treatments, and lifestyle changes, it can be managed.
About the Author – The Product Specialists at Medical Monks contributed this article. Medical Monks is medical supply retailer serving consumers and businesses across the United States. Reach our Specialists at customercare@medicalmonks.com.
Recent Changes in Medical Grade Honey Reimbursement
Recent Changes in Medical Grade Honey Reimbursement – What you as a Consumer Need to Know
There are many changes coming when it comes to the market for medical grade honey for wound care. But there are also many things that are remaining the same. These are the important points you, as a consumer, need to know.
What Hasn’t Changed about Medical Grade Honey for Wound Care
Most importantly, the use of medical grade honey for wound care continues to be an FDA approved practice that is safe and effective for treating wounds and burns.
The reason is that honey has advanced wound healing properties that provides:
- Optimal moist environment conducive to wound healing
- To help soften and liquefy necrotic (dead) tissue
- A low pH level which has been shown to have wound healing benefits – pH is the level of acidity or alkalinity of a solution or substance. If the pH of a product is too different from the pH of the skin it could damage the skin. It is estimated that the ‘natural’ skin surface pH is on average 4.7. High grade medical honey has a pH of at or below 4.7.
It can be used to treat a wide range of wounds, including:
- Diabetic Foot Ulcers
- Pressure Ulcers
- Skin Tears
- Superficial Burns
- Surgical Wounds
- Venous Ulcers
For anyone who needs medical grade honey to deal with wounds on a regular basis, the recently announced changes are both a cause for celebrating and seeking out help for getting medical grade honey wound care products, whether that’s by paying cash or getting help with handling insurance reimbursements.
Recent Changes Related to Medical Grade Honey
Unfortunately in January 2015, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made the decision to discontinue reimbursements under Medicare Part B for honey-based wound dressings containing more than 50 percent medicinal honey.
The exceptions to this rule included:
- Acute Care Inpatient
- Home Healthcare Agency Use
- Long-term Acute Care Hospitals
- Outpatient Wound Clinics
- Skilled Nursing Facilities (for the first 100 days)
However, those patients affected by the change are those receiving 1) outpatient care locations not found in the above list OR 2) those receiving or administering self-care at home.
CMS Changes its Mind
In June of 2015, CMS reversed the January 2015 decision and allowed honey-based wound dressings containing more than 50 percent medical honey to submit for reimbursement.
Unfortunately, CMS made it more difficult and time consuming for those selling honey products to submit these claims for reimbursement on behalf of patients. Many suppliers found the claims submission and approval format excessively cumbersome and the processing time over long.
Many suppliers ultimately decided that the risk of claim rejection was far too great. So, they quit offering reimbursable medical honey products containing more than 50 percent medical honey and instead offered patients reimbursable non-honey products.
Why is CMS Making these Changes?
No one is really certain why the changes are being made. Some believe it is part of an effort to reduce overall Medicare costs. But, there is widespread concern that while it may only reduce costs marginally it will actually only serve to hurt patient outcomes.
For these reasons, many consumers are now paying cash for honey products because they see and feel the benefits of honey for wound care and don’t want to switch to non-honey products.
Where Can Patients and/or Caregivers Buy Honey Dressings?
While so many suppliers are opting out of supplying medical grade honey products, there are some who will handle insurance billing on behalf of customers — and most will accept cash payments for honey dressings. The online retailer, Medical Monks is one of the few retailer / suppliers that can help consumers with both cash and insurance billing for medical grade honey products.
What Are Some Great Medical Grade Honey Products on the Market?
Here are some top Medical Grade Honey-based wound dressings from Derma Sciences, a leading manufacturer in the industry:
MEDIHONEY® Calcium Alginate
Composed of a Calcium Alginate dressing impregnated with 100% Leptospermum or Manuka Honey. This dressing provides wound fluid absorption capabilities and continuous donation of honey to the wound bed. This dressing is for partial to full thickness wounds and burns that are moderately to heavily draining.
MEDIHONEY® HCS
Composed of a Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP Technology), offering 2.5 times more absorption that leading hydrocolloids, and 100% Leptospermum Honey. This dressing is for superficial to partial thickness wounds and burns that are non-draining to lightly exuding.
MEDIHONEY® Honeycolloid
Composed of hydrocolloids, which are absorptive powders, and 100% Leptospermum Honey. This dressing is for superficial to full partial thickness wounds and burns that are light to moderately draining.
MEDIHONEY® Gel
Composed of 100% Leptospermum Honey and natural gelling agents (vegetable esters). This formulation provides a thick ointment consistency (thicker than the MEDIHONEY® Paste) for added stability when applying to the wound bed. MEDIHONEY® Gel is indicated for superficial to full thickness wounds and burns that are light to moderately draining.
MEDIHONEY® Paste
This dressing comes in a tube just like the MEDIHONEY® Gel. The difference is that the Paste is composed of 100% Leptospermum Honey, with no natural gelling agents and is therefore thinner (more runny) in consistency. MEDIHONEY® Paste is indicated for superficial to full thickness wounds and burns that are light to moderately draining.
To read more about Derma Sciences and their products (to include clinical evidence) go to http://www.dermasciences.com/medihoney
For more information about medical grade honey product coverage and reimbursement or to buy medical grade honey products please visit our website at https://www.medicalmonks.com or call us at please call us here at Medical Monks at 844-859-9400.
About the Author – The Product Specialists at Medical Monks contributed this article. Medical Monks is medical supply retailer serving consumers and businesses across the United States. Reach our Specialists at customercare@medicalmonks.com.
Closed Ostomy Pouches: An Overlooked Alternative
Closed Ostomy Pouches: An Overlooked Alternative
Our product specialists at Medical Monks field hundreds of ostomy-related calls a week from our customers. In fielding these calls, we notice that many ostomates are unaware they have the option to choose closed pouches rather than drainable pouches for a variety of situations. This is because most medical practices automatically instruct ostomy patients to use drainable pouches for two main reasons:
- You have more than two or more movements per day and need to have the ability to drain frequently.
- Closed pouches are restricted to no more than two per day according to most insurance amount allowed guidelines.
Because of these instructions you’ve likely never heard of closed pouches and how they may be a great alternative for you.
Benefits of Closed Pouches for Ostomates
In many situations, closed pouches provide you with greater flexibility for leisure and living than drainable pouches. Many customers choose to keep a small supply on hand during busy or active times, like during the summer and the holiday season.
These are just a few of the benefits of closed pouches for ostomates.
- Closed pouches are offered in wide-variety of lengths and with or without filter.
- A closed pouch will provide greater discretion than an often more lengthy drainable pouch.
- Closed pouches can be tossed and replaced when you’re busy, out and about, and otherwise unable to drain.
- The overall comfort and convenience offered by a closed pouch makes them the perfect choice for social events, long trips, and church functions, etc..
- Closed pouches have the added benefit of promoting more intimate moments with your partner, making them a much better choice than drainable pouches for many people in your situation.
Why Are Drainable Pouches So Widely Advised?
To help manage inventory costs and reduce insurance billing complexity, hospitals and home health agencies typically carry and recommend only a select few pouch varieties. In addition, if you have more than two movements a day, drainable pouches are better suited for insurance billing. Insurance allowables typically restrict participants to two closed pouches per day.
Once you leave the care of a hospital or home health care agency you may feel you don’t want to change and try new puching options beyond drainables. This is very common and understandable. We at Medical Monks are here to help you understand your pouching options and cut through the confusion and apprehension typically associated with introducing closed pouches into your life.
Ordering Closed Pouches
Even if you use drainable pouches, you can purchase closed pouches out of pocket as a supplement to drainable pouches. You may choose to have closed pouches billed instead of drainable through your insurance. For example, instead of 20 drainable pouches you can choose 60 closed pouches.
There are times when the convenience of closed pouches and the comfort they provide make them a great add-on to your monthly billing order. Supplementing with various pouch styles allows you greater flexibility with your active schedule.
You might want to begin ordering additional closed pouches in the spring in order to accommodate a busier summer schedule. Sometimes, you simply want the convenience of being able to enjoy the moment without concerns or the aggravation of draining.
Whatever your preference, closed pouches offer alternatives if and when you desire them. They provide a convenient option many ostomates are not aware of. Now that you know, you can enjoy the many benefits closed pouches present for yourself.
What Are Some Great Closed Pouches on the Market?
Medical Monks offers an extensive selection of ostomy supplies for people who have a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy. We choose our top ostomy supply manufactures for their high quality and diverse types of ostomy products.
Below are two great closed pouch options for you to choose from.
- Hollister Premier – One-Piece Pouch – 82xxx
- Hollister New Image – Two-Piece Pouch – 183xx
- Hollister New Image – Two-Piece Barrier – 1460x
For more information about closed pouches, please call us at 844-859-9400.
About the Author – The Product Specialists of Medical Monks contributed this article. Medical Monks is medical supply retailer serving consumers and businesses across the United States. Reach our Specialists at customercare@medicalmonks.com.
