According to the Johns Hopkins Medical Center (USA), urinary retention occurs when the patient cannot completely open the bladder despite feeling urinary retention. This condition is common in the elderly due to prostate hypertrophy, prolonged constipation, drug side effects or bladder-controlling neurological disorders.
Experts warn that if urine is stagnant for a long time, patients are at risk of urinary tract infections, bladder stones, kidney damage or bladder dysfunction. Some cases also experience lower abdominal pain, weak urination, intermittent urination or frequent urination at night.
According to the US National Institute of Gerontology, many elderly people are often subjective about urinary disorders because they think they are normal manifestations of age. However, changes in urinary habits may reflect health problems that need to be monitored early.
Doctors recommend that elderly people should see a doctor if they experience urinary retention, difficulty urinating, or pain when urinating for a long time. Early detection of the cause will help treat effectively and limit complications.
In addition, the elderly should drink enough water, avoid prolonged urination, exercise gently and control underlying diseases such as diabetes and blood pressure to support the health of the urinary system.
