By James Harry
As the cold and flu season approaches, it is important to remember that these illnesses can cause a variety of symptoms, including urine leakage. Experienced San Antonio urologists can help you manage this symptom and treat any underlying conditions. Here are six reasons why the cold and flu can make you leak urine.
Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles
One of the main reasons that the cold and flu can cause you to leak urine is due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. When you have an illness, your body releases inflammatory agents that can cause your pelvic floor muscles to become weak. This can lead to an inability to control the flow of urine when you cough or sneeze, resulting in leakage.
Increased Urinary Frequency
Infections can also cause an increase in urinary frequency. This means that you may need to urinate more often than normal. As a result, your bladder may become full more quickly and you may not be able to hold it in when you sneeze or cough. This can lead to leakage of urine.
High Pressure on the Bladder
Finally, a cold or flu can cause a high amount of pressure on your bladder. This pressure can be a result of inflammation in your urinary tract, or it can be caused by a buildup of mucus in your chest or throat. This increased pressure can cause your bladder to contract and, if it is already full, can lead to leakage.
Urethral Inflammation
In some cases, the cold or flu may cause inflammation of the urethra. This inflammation can irritate the urethra and cause it to become weak, resulting in urine leakage.
Dehydration
Dehydration is another common side effect of the cold and flu. When the body is dehydrated, the body does not have enough fluid to produce the normal amount of urine, resulting in leakage.
Impaired Kidney Function
Finally, the cold and flu can cause impaired kidney function, which can lead to urine leakage. This is because the kidneys are not able to process the fluids in the body as efficiently, which can cause involuntary leakage.
Conclusion
The cold and flu season can be a difficult time for many people, especially those who leak urine when they sneeze or cough. If you are experiencing this problem, it is important to contact your San Antonio urologists for help. They can diagnose the underlying causes and recommend treatment options to help you get back to feeling your best.
