Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
06:39
Real-Time Void Spot Assay
Published on: February 10, 2023
Breathlessness is associated with urinary incontinence in men: A community-based study
Fumi Hirayama1, Andy H Lee, Tetsuo Hiramatsu
1School of Public Health, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University of Technology, Perth, WA, Australia.
BMC Pulmonary Medicine
|January 8, 2010
Summary
Urinary incontinence (UI) is linked to breathlessness in middle-aged and older men. This study found a significant association, suggesting respiratory symptoms may impact UI prevalence in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Urinary incontinence (UI) significantly impacts the quality of life for older adults.
- Investigating the link between UI and respiratory symptoms is crucial for this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between urinary incontinence and respiratory symptoms in middle-aged and older men.
- To identify potential risk factors and correlations between these conditions.
Main Methods:
- A community-based study in Japan recruited 668 men aged 40+.
- Face-to-face interviews used validated questionnaires (ICIQ-SF, MRC dyspnoea scale, ALF Feeling Short of Breath scale) to assess UI and respiratory symptoms.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of UI was 7.6%, with urge incontinence being most common.
- Incontinent men reported significantly higher rates of respiratory symptoms, particularly breathlessness (45% vs. 30%, p=0.025).
- Breathlessness increased the odds of UI by 2.11 times, even after adjusting for age, BMI, smoking, and alcohol use.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between urinary incontinence and breathlessness in middle-aged and older men.
- Breathlessness may be an important factor to consider in the assessment and management of UI in this population.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System I: Health History
The genitourinary system is critical to maintaining fluid balance, waste elimination, and reproductive function. Nurses play a vital role in assessing this system, beginning with a thorough health history. This process involves gathering patient information, identifying risk factors, and recognizing symptoms of genitourinary disorders. Early detection is vital for timely interventions and management.1. Gathering Patient InformationA complete health history includes the patient’s personal,...
01:23Urinary Bladder
The urinary bladder is a hollow, muscular sac that temporarily stores urine before it is expelled from the body. It can hold approximately 600 mL of urine prior to micturition. The bladder is retroperitoneal and located behind the pubic symphysis in the pelvic floor.
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
In males, the bladder is situated in front of the rectum, while in females, it is positioned anterior to the vagina and uterus. The bladder floor contains an inverted triangular area called the trigone, defined by the two ureteric...
01:17Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management
In managing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in nursing, a comprehensive assessment is essential. Begin by gathering subjective data, such as the patient’s complaints of dysuria (painful urination), urinary frequency, urgency, suprapubic pain, and any lower abdominal discomfort. This information can be complemented by questions regarding previous UTIs, sexual activity, and personal hygiene practices, which can provide insight into risk factors. Objective assessment should focus on signs like...
01:26Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System II: Inspection and Palpation
The nursing assessment of the genitourinary (GU) system involves a systematic inspection and palpation to identify abnormalities in the kidneys, bladder, and surrounding structures.InspectionMouth: Inspect for signs of kidney dysfunction, such as stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) and ammonia breath, which may occur in advanced kidney disease due to the buildup of urea, breaking down into ammonia.Skin: Check for pallor, which could indicate anemia caused by kidney disease. Look for...
01:28Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
The human urogenital system, once thought to be sterile in healthy individuals, is now recognized as a complex microbial habitat. Advancements in molecular sequencing techniques have revealed that even in healthy adults, the kidneys and bladder harbor microbial populations similar to those found in the distal urethra, albeit in much lower abundance. These resident microorganisms, while generally innocuous, can become opportunistic pathogens under conditions that alter the urogenital...
01:23Assessment of Respiration
The respiratory system's basic structures and primary functions lay the foundation for nurses' comprehensive respiratory assessments. This assessment includes subjective and objective data to gauge the patient's respiratory health.
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...