URINARY INCONTINENCE IN THE ELDERLY.

Urinary incontinence is defined as "a condition in which there is an involuntary loss of urine through the urethra enough to constitute a social problem / physician." This is a symptom-heterogeneous problem is common in elderly. Their presence in the person produces multiple psychological and social problems because it has been shown that always helps: promote social isolation, mental disorders, skin abrasions or urinary tract infections, and is a common reason for admission to institutions.

In my short experience, I have seen that urinary incontinence is one of the causes of self-marginalization in the elderly. For the person aware of their urinary incontinence, shame, loss of self-esteem and finally, dependence, are unavoidable steps. Even many families are able to care for their elderly until incontinence appears, then seeks to institutionalize the elderly because becomes a major hassle.

Aging itself is not a cause of urinary incontinence, however, some changes associated with age and the highest prevalence of certain diseases predispose to its development.

Urinary incontinence has a negative impact on the elderly who suffers significant impairment in their quality of life, causing multiple repercussions that affect both the physical realm as well as derive important psychic and socioeconomic consequences. It is also associated with perineal erythema, pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, falls and fractures. I was struck by the fact that currently holds that urinary incontinence may be an early marker of fragility and increased risk of mortality. Multiple studies have also been shown the impact of urinary incontinence in the quality of life, associating also depression and anxiety.

For treatment, a nurse should recommend behavior change habits or perineal rehabilitation, because with these typically get positive results. Here's an important role nursing through standards and education boards, narrow serial controls, help exercises, etc.Only if you have not managed to control urination, is often used to drug therapy and / or surgery.

For all the comment, I think that urinary incontinence is a condition that a nurse must know very well, as it is a widespread problem that will face throughout the career. It is essential to know everything that involves the incontinent patient, including the impact the disease has on the psychosocial field and the quality of life of elderly.

Bibliography.

• Martínez Gallardo et al. Incontinencia urinaria en el adulto mayorRev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc 2007; 45 (5): 513-521. Available in: http://www.mediagraphic.com/pdfs/imss/im-2007/im075n.pdf

• Engberg S, Kincade J, Thompson D. Future directions for incontinence research with frail elders. Nursing Research. 2004