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Urinary incontinence in the elderly. Often simple to treat when properly evaluated
1Department of Medicine, McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Richmond, VA 23249, USA.
Postgraduate Medicine
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Urinary incontinence affects many elderly individuals, incurring substantial costs. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve symptoms or restore continence, highlighting it as a manageable condition.
Area of Science:
- Geriatrics
- Urology
- Public Health
Background:
- Urinary incontinence is a common and costly issue in the elderly population.
- It can be transient or persistent, necessitating the exclusion of reversible causes.
- The medical, social, and economic burdens associated with incontinence are considerable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize that urinary incontinence is a treatable condition in the elderly.
- To guide clinicians and patients in recognizing and managing incontinence.
- To highlight the benefits of diagnosing and treating urinary incontinence.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive patient history taking.
- Targeted physical examination.
- Utilization of simple in-office diagnostic tests.
Main Results:
- Diagnosis is typically achieved through history, physical exam, and office tests.
- Identifying the specific type of incontinence is crucial for effective management.
- Appropriate treatment leads to symptom improvement or resolution of incontinence.
Conclusions:
- Urinary incontinence is a treatable condition in the elderly.
- Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve patient outcomes.
- Addressing incontinence benefits patients, clinicians, and society by reducing associated costs and improving quality of life.