Prevalence of urinary incontinence in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a progressive and disabling condition defined by chronic airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. Urinary incontinence is a common health problem in general population. Dysponea is a common feature that has been described in association with impaired sphincter control in some patients. Chronic cough is another symptom that places increased stress on the pelvic floor and may affect urinary incontinence. Objective: To identify urinary incontinence in male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and men without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Design: Case Control study. Setting: SRM Medical College Hospital and Research centre. Paricipants: Men with COPD (n=50) and men without COPD (n=50). Interventions: Validated Questionnaire to identify the prevalence of Urinary Incontinence. Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of urinary incontinence using a Questionnaire - International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ UI SF). Results: Comparing the age criteria 50-60years and 60-70years there is no much significant difference between men with COPD and men without COPD. According to ICIQ-SF questionnaire the prevalence of urinary incontinence is more in men with COPD (28/50, 56.0%) compared with men without COPD (9/50, 18.0%). Conclusion: Urinary incontinence is more prevalent in men with COPD than in men without COPD.