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The association between overactive bladder and diuretic use in the elderly.
1University of California, Los Angeles, C239 RNRC, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. ojekundayo@ucla.edu
Current Urology Reports
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms are common in elderly individuals using diuretics, especially loop diuretics. This association negatively impacts their quality of life, warranting further research.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Urology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Overactive bladder (OAB) affects individuals of all ages, with prevalence increasing in older adults.
- Diuretic use is common in the elderly due to age-related conditions like hypertension and heart failure.
- Diuretics increase urine production, potentially leading to urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing data on the association between overactive bladder (OAB) and diuretic use in the elderly population.
- To explore the potential contribution of diuretic use to OAB symptoms in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of population-based studies and available data.
- Focus on studies examining diuretic use and OAB in elderly individuals.
Main Results:
- Available research indicates a notable prevalence of OAB symptoms among elderly patients using diuretics, particularly loop diuretics.
- These OAB symptoms are linked to a diminished quality of life in affected individuals.
- Limited research currently exists in this specific area.
Conclusions:
- Diuretic use may contribute to overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in the elderly.
- Further investigation is crucial to fully elucidate the relationship between diuretic use and OAB.
- Understanding this association is important for assessing its impact on health-related quality of life in older adults.
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