Urinary incontinence in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Fumi Hirayama1, Andy H Lee, Colin W Binns
1School of Public Health and National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
Summary
Urinary incontinence affects 10% of men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Urge incontinence is more common than stress incontinence in these patients, challenging previous assumptions.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pulmonology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease.
- Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common condition, particularly in older adults.
- The relationship between COPD and UI, especially stress incontinence due to coughing, is often assumed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of urinary incontinence in men with COPD.
- To determine the type of urinary incontinence most commonly experienced by men with COPD.
- To challenge the conventional understanding of COPD-associated urinary incontinence.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 244 community-dwelling men diagnosed with COPD within the last 4 years was recruited.
- Participants were recruited from six hospital outpatient departments in central Japan.
- Urinary incontinence was assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence criteria.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of urinary incontinence among men with COPD was 10%.
- Among incontinent men, 75% reported small amounts of urine leakage, and 58% experienced it weekly or less.
- Urge incontinence (63%) was more prevalent than stress incontinence (approximately 8%).
- The majority of men (79%) developed urinary incontinence after their COPD diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Urinary incontinence is prevalent in men with COPD, with urge incontinence being the predominant type.
- This finding challenges the traditional association of COPD with stress incontinence.
- Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms linking COPD and urge incontinence.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
Smoking Cessation
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.