Winter’s here, and with it comes those pesky colds and flus. You know the drill: runny nose, sore throat, maybe a cough. But did you know that these common illnesses can also mess with your bladder?

If you already experience incontinence, a cold or flu can make things a bit trickier. These sicknesses can irritate your bladder, leading to more frequent trips to the bathroom, a sudden urge to go, or even accidents.

Let's get to know more about why this happens and what you can do to manage it.

Why is there a connection between colds, the flu and incontinence?

When you've got a cold, sneezing and coughing can put extra pressure on your bladder, leading to leaks. It's like a domino effect: congestion makes you cough more, which puts more pressure on your bladder, which can lead to accidents.

Over-the-counter cold medications can also worsen the problem. Some medications can make you pee more often, adding to your incontinence issues. 

On top of that, colds and flu can directly infect your bladder. This can irritate your bladder and make it harder to control, leading to more frequent and urgent trips to the bathroom.

Common incontinence triggers

Incontinence can be triggered by many things. What works for one person might not work for another. But understanding your triggers can help you manage your condition better. 

Food and drinks

Certain foods and drinks can irritate your bladder and make incontinence worse. Spicy foods, acidic drinks, and caffeine are common culprits. 

If you have a cold, pay attention to what you're eating and drinking. Identifying triggers can help you manage your symptoms and feel better faster.

Stress

Feeling stressed can make your incontinence worse. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones that can tighten your pelvic floor muscles, making it harder to control your bladder. 

So, try to relax and reduce stress as much as possible when you're not feeling well.

Medications

Cold and flu medications can help you feel better, but they can also make your bladder problems worse. Decongestants and antihistamines can make you wee more often. Plus, these medications can dry you out, which can irritate your bladder. 

So, while it's important to take care of yourself when you're sick, be mindful of the potential side effects of your medications. 

When you're choosing a cold or flu medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you find a medication that's right for you and has fewer side effects on your bladder. 

If you're already taking medication for incontinence or other health conditions, always check with your doctor before adding new medications.

How to manage incontinence when you’re unwell

Managing incontinence at the same time as fighting a cold can be challenging, with multiple symptoms demanding your attention. You’re already low on energy, and now your body’s asking for more of it!

By taking care of yourself, you can help your body fight off the infection and get better faster. 

These strategies include:  

Remain hydrated

Water is one of the best, and simplest, tools when it comes to fighting off a cold. Fluids help to flush out the urinary tract and reduce inflammation.

Focus on your nutrition

Warming and healing meals are key when it comes to managing a cold while minimising incontinence. Stay away from trigger foods and drinks, such as spicy or acidic foods and caffeine, as these are likely to make your incontinence worse.

Carefully choose your medications 

Your doctor will advise on which medications will help to relax your bladder muscles (making it easier to hold in urine) while combatting the cold.

Practise your Kegels

Pelvic floor exercises can help to build the strength of your pelvic floor in preparation for an illness or infection. You can do these at any time and in any place since they’re so discreet.

These strategies can also be of great use if you’re looking for ways to manage incontinence on a daily basis, with or without a cold. By combining a wide range of lifestyle choices and preventative measures, you may be able to reduce the frequency or intensity of incontinence incidents.