Coronavirus-Related Anxiety Triggers Urinary Problems

The coronavirus process we are experiencing has affected people significantly from a psychological perspective as well. Continence Association President and Urology Specialist Prof. Dr. Tufan Tarcan emphasized that the anxiety and stress experienced during this period can increase urinary problems. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) affecting the world and our country has negatively impacted the stress and anxiety levels people experience. Continence Association President Prof. Dr. Tufan Tarcan, noting that they are encountering anxiety problems and panic attacks more frequently during these stressful days, stated: "Anxiety and stress can increase certain functional diseases of the bladder. For example, in our patients experiencing sudden urgency due to overactive bladder, frequent urination and sometimes urgency incontinence, these complaints may increase. Another disease affected by this anxiety is bladder pain syndrome / interstitial cystitis complex. Due to anxiety, the severity of bladder pain can increase. In summary, these types of bladder diseases can be affected by our anxiety levels. We recommend that our patients spend quality time at home, exercise as much as possible, and if possible, take precautions and take walks outdoors to reduce their anxiety levels," he said. Noting that nighttime incontinence is a condition frequently seen in children but rarely seen in adults, Prof. Dr. Tufan Tarcan stated: "Based on the results of our observations, we can say that all types of stress and sleep disorders increase this. People prone to nighttime incontinence; when they are very tired, when they are stressed, they experience this problem more frequently. The anxiety we experience today can also increase nighttime incontinence. Or it can lead to more frequent nighttime urination." he explained.

"Excessive alcohol and food consumption presents itself as a problem"

Continence Association President Prof. Dr. Tufan Tarcan offered the following recommendations to reduce the nighttime bathroom visits problem that many people suffer from: "Our advice is not to take fluids or food after dinner unless absolutely necessary until bedtime. After getting up from dinner, we recommend that people not consume both solid and liquid food until bedtime. I want to emphasize this especially for people who get up to urinate or have nighttime incontinence problems." Stating that excessive fluid intake during the day increases nighttime incontinence, Prof. Dr. Tufan Tarcan said: "We know that weight gain in particular increases these diseases. Attention should be paid to diet and we should avoid weight gain during these days we spend at home. Excessive alcohol and food consumption presents itself as a problem. Another point I want to emphasize is the excessive vitamins and food supplements we take to protect ourselves from diseases. These should only be taken upon doctor's advice. Inappropriate and unnecessary use of these substances can have harmful effects on the kidneys and bladder." he stated.

Everyone experiencing incontinence should use bladder pads

Continence Association President Prof. Dr. Tufan Tarcan, drawing attention to the fact that especially in bedridden or mobility-impaired patients, people experiencing sleep disturbance due to incontinence problems benefit from using bladder pads which is also hygienic, stated: "To prevent the development of hygiene problems in our patients, we recommend bladder pads to our patients experiencing functional incontinence problems."