|
Bladder
control problems are far more common that generally realized,
but most people with this condition are not doing anything
to manage it, according to a Harris Interactive survey of
more than 1,400 Americans.
Sponsored
by the National Association for Continence (NAFC) with financial
support from Kimberly-Clark, the survey found that 32 percent
of American men and women between the ages of 30 and 70 have
experienced some degree of bladder control loss. However,
64 percent were not doing anything to manage their condition.
Those
diagnosed with bladder control problems reported waiting an
average of six years after experiencing their first symptoms
before talking with a health care professional. Those diagnosed
with bladder control problems were far more likely than those
with symptoms who are undiagnosed to be successfully managing
their symptoms.
Compared
to those whose bladder control problems have gone undiagnosed,
people diagnosed with the condition were more likely to feel
a sense of relief, lead an improved quality of life and be
far more comfortable talking about their condition to significant
others, family members and/or medical practitioners.
"People
need to know that loss of bladder control is actually quite
common and is always treatable," said Nancy Muller, Executive
Director, NAFC. "This new research shows us that for
the approximately 25 million Americans with this condition,
life very often improves after diagnosis."
Muller
expressed hope that the survey findings would encourage more
people who may be living in silence with symptoms to discuss
them with a health care provider or their spouse or a family
member and to seek out the many options available to them.
Source:
Medical Week staff,
week of June 19,2004
|
HOME PAGE
