Urinary Incontinence Flashcards
What is urinary incontinence?
involuntary loss of urine
What is the relationship between urinary incontinence and age?
prevalence increases with age
-prevalence increases to 30-60% in age 65+
What are the medical consequences of urinary incontinence?
urinary tract infections, urosepsis
skin irritation, breakdown, infection
disrupted sleep
falls (rushing, waking up at night)
What are the psychosocial consequences of urinary incontinence?
embarrassment
isolation
depression
DECREASED QOL
Is urinary incontinence well diagnosed?
underdiagnosed
-50-70% do not report symptoms or seek medical advice
-health care providers need to ask
Describe the detrusor muscle.
muscarinic –> contraction (cholinergic)
-ACh = increased contractility
B3 stimulation –> relaxation
-increasing bladder storage capacity
Describe the internal sphincter.
alpha-adrenergic stimulation –> contraction
Which muscles in the bladder are under voluntary control?
external sphincter: voluntary control
pelvic floor muscle: voluntary control
What are the transient/modifiable causes of incontinence?
DIAPPERS
delirium (may be medication related)
infection (may be medication related)
atrophic vaginitis
pharmaceutical
psychological
excessive urine output (may be medication related)
reduced mobility (may be medication related)
stool impaction (may be medication related)
What are the non-modifiable factors associated with urinary incontinence?
increased age
menopause
pregnancy/childbirth
diabetes
stroke
conditions affecting mobility
neurologic injury/disease
What are the modifiable factors associated with urinary incontinence?
certain medications
constipation/impaction
UTI
smoking
caffeine intake
fluid intake
high-impact physical activities
heavy lifting/straining
obesity
What are the types of urinary incontinence?
urgency
stress
mixed
overflow
functional
Which type of urinary incontinence is most common?
stress
Describe urge incontinence.
leakage associated with a sudden, uncontrollable need to void
14% patients with incontinence
overactive bladder (OAB)/detrusor overactivity
-urgency with or without actual incontinence (OAB-wet vs OAB-dry)
-daytime frequency, nocturia
Describe stress incontinence.
leakage with increased abdominal pressure
-ex: exercise, sneezing, coughing
50% incontinence cases
more common in women
Describe mixed incontinence.
both urgency and stress incontinence
32% patients with UI
more common in women
Describe overflow incontinence.
leakage of urine from a full bladder
common with urinary retention
-poor detrusor contractility or
-bladder outlet obstruction (ex: BPH)
-elevated post-void residual (>100ml)
Describe functional incontinence.
impaired ability to reach the toilet
-reduced mobility
-constrictive clothing
-inaccessible toilets or substitutes
-dementia
What are the goals of therapy for urinary incontinence?
relieve distressing urinary symptoms
improve bladder function
prevent complications
avoid treatment side effects
improve quality of life