PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Jonathan Miller
AU  - Hilary Tedd
AU  - Jackie Rees
AU  - Anthony DeSoyza
TI  - Urinary incontinence in adult bronchiectasis patients: Common but treatable
DP  - 2012 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - P3517
VI  - 40
IP  - Suppl 56
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P3517.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/40/Suppl_56/P3517.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2012 Sep 01; 40
AB  - Background: Patients suffering from urinary incontinence (UI) often avoid seeking medical attention, due to embarrassment, consequently remaining untreated. UI negatively impacts of quality of life, psychological health and relationships. In patients with non-CF bronchiectasis, it may also reduce adherence to chest physiotherapy. UK Physiotherapy Guidelines (2009) suggets screening for UI in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis.Methods: Screening at new specialist bronchiectasis clinic for symptoms of UI, with referral onto Continence specialist services.Results: Of the initial 116 patient referred to the bronchiectasis service, 76 were female. 55% of female patients had UI (UI-Br). 87.5% of UI-Br patients reported symptoms for over 5 years, with 40% of patients describing symptoms of over 10 years duration. 37% reported UI as having a terrible impact on quality of life. Patients were assessed by a Continence Nurse Consultant. A personalised UI management plan was formulated, including education on pelvic floor strengthening, urge suppression and voiding techniques. Other techniques used included bladder retraining (40%) and toilet rescheduling (40%). Over 60% of patients have been discharged by the Continence Service, following symptom improvement.Conclusions: In asking about UI, in line with UK guidelines, we identified symptomatic patients and referred them onto an appropriate specialist service. We identified a high prevalence of UI in female patients with non-CF bronchiectasis. Patients suffered symptoms for a prolonged period with a significant impact on quality of life. Through appropriate specialist input, these distressing symptoms have been improved in the majority of our patient group.