Odor in Incontinence is a Common Concern of Patients

The loss of the ability to control urinary excretion is a serious impairment for individuals of any age and affects all areas of social life. Although a healthy, young person will perceive the problems associated with incontinence very differently from an older, immobile person, the main feelings are the same for both groups: shame, inferiority, embarrassment, failure. Additionally, incontinence burdens the patient not only socially but also health-wise and hygienically.

It takes patients on average 3 years to confide their problems

A 66-year-old patient was referred by her general practitioner to a urology clinic for urine leakage that had persisted for more than 10 years. She thought it was a consequence of a hysterectomy she had undergone shortly after her 50th birthday. The leaks were initially inconspicuous but gradually worsened. She also experienced urgency several times a day and nocturia 3–4 times a night. Due to the leaks, she limited her fluid intake to 1 liter per day, which affected her bowel movements. The issues restricted her daily life, she stopped playing sports, and limited contact with friends. She found occasional urine leakage during intercourse very disturbing, which prompted her to seek professional help. Even though she paid extra for incontinence pads, they occasionally leaked, and she was constantly worried about possible odor.

The patient was only treated for bronchial asthma, which contributed to the worsening of her incontinence. Her gynecological history included 2 spontaneous births and a hysterectomy for leiomyomatosis. A complete examination, including urodynamics, was performed at the urology clinic, diagnosing mixed incontinence. She was recommended pelvic floor muscle strengthening and prescribed a combination of fesoterodine and imipramine, which improved her symptoms. Although she still had to use incontinence aids, the correct size and appropriate hygiene products were chosen after consulting with a doctor.

Beware of dehydration or inappropriate incontinence aids

Incontinent patients often restrict their fluid intake in the hope of reducing uncontrolled urine leaks. However, in such cases, the urine becomes more concentrated and has a more pronounced odor. Other potential causes of a stronger urine odor can be infections, certain foods like asparagus or coffee, and some medications. It's therefore essential to inform patients of these possibilities.

In addition to the above, consistent hygiene using special cosmetics and high-quality incontinence aids are other ways to eliminate unpleasant urine odors. Absorptive aids, which have seen significant technological advancements in recent decades due to the use of so-called superabsorbents, play a leading role in care. These polymers can absorb liquids in amounts far exceeding their own weight. The extremely absorbent superabsorbent binds the liquid inside the absorbent core and turns it into a gel. This ability significantly reduces the occurrence of unpleasant odors. Among the many types of incontinence aids, it's more than appropriate to select those that prevent odor, leakage, and moisture. The correct size of the aid, discretion, and comfort also play crucial roles.

Incontinent patients are often very concerned about how they are perceived by their surroundings. Fears of odor are a daily issue for them, so physicians should ensure not only adequate treatment but also assist in selecting appropriate hygiene aids. A correctly chosen product can significantly improve the patient's quality of life and prevent health problems.

(mraf)

Sources:
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2. Buckley B. S. User perspectives, preferences, and priorities relating to products for managing bladder and bowel dysfunctions. Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2019; 233 (1): 7–18, doi: 10.1177/0954411917750193.
3. Dalton P., Maute C. Odors and incontinence: What does the nose know? Proc Inst Mech Eng H 2019; 233 (1): 127–134, doi: 10.1177/0954411918781409.