London: COLD weather alerts have been issued across the country with snow and freezing temperatures forecast in the coming weeks. Winer weather can trigger a range of different health conditions – one being cold diuresis. Cold weather can trigger or worsen a number of different health problems, including dry skin, flu, norovirus, and even heart attacks.
If you get there to pee more when it’s cold outside, you’re not alone, as it’s a genuine medical phenomenon. Getting the urge to pee more when it’s cold outside is a biological process called ‘cold diuresis’. Dr. Diana Gall, from only service, Doctor 4 U, says it’s vital you’re aware of the condition so that you can drink more fluids in order to stay well hydrated.
Home Remedy For Frequent Urination
She explained: “Cold diuresis can occur when the body’s temperature lowers. “The biological response is to redirect blood to the core to create warmth, while the kidneys release extra fluid to stabilize the pressure.
“And it’s this process which boosts urine production, giving you the urge to wee more in the cold, winter months. “There’s currently a lack of scientific research into the phenomena, which means we don’t know just how low the temperature needs to get before it takes effect.
“But we do know you’re likely to feel the effects if you’re standing around outside this winter – and it means you might need to know where the toilets are if you’re visiting the winter market.” Dr. Gall advised sufferers to wrap up warm and try to avoid standing outside for long periods of time.
She added: “Frequent urination due to diuresis can actually be really damaging to your body’s natural salt, water, and mineral balance. “It can lead to conditions like ‘hyponatremia’ when there’s not enough sodium in the body, or ‘hyperkalemia’, too much potassium, and ‘hypokalemia’, not enough potassium.
“All three of these conditions can prove fatal in extreme circumstances. “And if you are weeing too much, you need to replenish fluids to avoid dehydration.” It’s not just your body that could be affected by an overactive bladder in the winter – your energy bill could be impacted, too.
By continuously flushing the chain after every toilet stops, the costs for your water usage will start to stack up. According to the Money Advice Service, the average Brit spends £415 a year or £34.58 a month on their water bill.
In 2012, This Is Money revealed that it cost 2p every time you flush the toilet. And Phil Foster, from energy-saving comparison site Love Energy Savings, said businesses that employ lots of staff are likely to experience a higher water bill in the winter months because of the effects of cold diuresis.
He added: “If you’re one of the people who experience cold diuresis, you’re unlikely to notice a higher water bill just because you’re flushing the loo more regularly. “But if you employ a hundred people, it could be the reason you’re seeing a spike in your energy bill. “If you’ve got concerns about the phenomena, do your research and make sure you’re on the best possible tariff.”
Causes of Frequent Urination:
- Overactive Bladder: An overactive bladder is a condition in which the muscles in the bladder contract involuntarily, causing the need to urinate frequently. This condition is more common in women than in men.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTI is a bacterial infection that affects the urinary tract, including the bladder, ureters, and kidneys. Symptoms of a UTI include frequent urination, painful urination, and a strong urge to urinate.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels in people with diabetes can cause an increase in urine production, leading to frequent urination.
- Prostate Problems: In men, an enlarged prostate gland can put pressure on the bladder and urethra, causing frequent urination.
- Pregnancy: As the uterus grows during pregnancy, it puts pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination.
Symptoms of Frequent Urination:
The main symptom of frequent urination is a need to urinate more often than usual. Other symptoms include:
- Pain or discomfort while urinating
- A strong urge to urinate
- Inability to hold urine
- Waking up several times during the night to urinate
Treatment of Frequent Urination:
- Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes such as reducing caffeine and alco-hol intake, managing fluid intake, and avoiding spicy foods can help reduce the frequency of urination.
- Medications: Certain medications such as anticholinergics, alpha-blockers, and antibiotics can help treat the underlying conditions causing frequent urination.
- Bladder training: Bladder training involves retraining the bladder to hold urine for longer periods. This can be achieved by gradually increasing the time between urination.
- Surgery: In cases where frequent urination is caused by an enlarged prostate, surgery may be required to remove part of the prostate gland.
In conclusion, frequent urination is a common condition that can be caused by various underlying conditions. If you are experiencing frequent urination, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment options.
