Urinary urgency, also referred to as urinary incontinence, is not a disease, but a symptom of poor lifestyle choices or other health issues. The range of severity for urinary urgency ranges from mild to severe and can be treated with dietary changes and medication. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients should not hesitate to talk to a physician about the problem, even if they find it embarrassing. Urinary urgency can be a sign of a more serious complication, particularly when there are traces of blood in the urine. The urgency to urinate also increases the risk of falling in seniors as they rush to the bathroom.
Stress
The signs and symptoms of urinary urgency due to stress are apparent when urine is released while coughing or sneezing. Pressure on the bladder while exercising or laughing also creates leaks. Urinary incontinence due to pressure typically is the result of weakened sphincter muscles, used to control the flow of urine. Menopause and pregnancy often cause stress incontinence in women, while men often undergo the problem following prostate surgery.
Overflow
Doctors at the Mayo Clinic report that overflow incontinence is characterized by the inability to completely empty the bladder, leading to a constant need to urinate. The bladder continuously dribbles and creates just a small stream when on the toilet. Men and women with bladder damage or diabetes often experience overflow incontinence. The condition also can be a result of a blocked urethra or problems with the prostrate gland.
Sudden Urge
People who suffer with sudden urge incontinence rarely get more than a few seconds to make it to the bathroom before urinating. The intense, sudden urge is followed by an involuntary release of urine. Urge incontinence, also referred to as overactive bladder, creates the need to urinate often, including all night. A urinary tract infection, stroke or damage to the nervous system can cause urge incontinence. Other causes include Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Levels
There are various levels of incontinence that define the severity of the signs and symptoms that characterize the condition, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. An overactive bladder is typically diagnosed when patients urinate more than eight times a day and more than twice during the night. The signs and symptoms of urinary urgency are not a natural part of aging and can cause emotional problems in addition to the medical concerns created by the symptoms. The National Association for Continence reports that 80 percent of those with symptoms of incontinence at every level can be improved or cured.
