GYNECOLOGY:

 temporary incontinence

 Certain foods, drinks and medications can cause temporary urinary incontinence. A simple change in habits can bring relief.

• Alcohol and caffeine. Beer, wine, spirits and caffeinated beverages are all diuretics. They cause the bladder to fill quickly, triggering an urgent and sometimes uncontrollable need to urinate.

• Over-hydration or dehydration. Drinking a lot of liquids, particularly in a short period of time, increases the amount of urine the bladder has to deal with and may result in an occasional accident. On the other hand, if a woman has urge incontinence, she may try to limit her fluids to reduce the number of trips to the toilet. However, if she doesn’t consume enough liquid to stay hydrated, her urine can occasionally become very concentrated. This collection of concentrated salts can irritate the bladder and worsen urge incontinence.

• Bladder irritation. Carbonated drinks, citrus fruits, juice, tea and coffee may irritate the bladder and cause episodes of urge incontinence.

• Medications. Sedatives, diuretics, muscle relaxants and antidepressants can sometimes affect bladder function. Other medications such as blood pressure drugs, heart medications and cold medicines can cause or increase incontinence.