Abstract
Aim: To determine the prevalence of urinary incontinence among women with chronic cough seen at the cough clinic, as well as the prevalence of chronic cough among women with urinary (stress) incontinence seen at the gynaecology outpatient clinic.
Background: During cough the abdominal pressure increases, leading to involuntary urine loss. Urinary incontinence may have a negative effect on the quality of life. If the prevalence of urinary incontinence in women with chronic cough exceeds the prevalence in the general population, cough specialists can anticipate on this by actively inquiring about urine loss.
Design: A cross-sectional epidemiologic survey.
Method: 53 new and 43 control patients from the cough clinic, 85 new patients from the pelvic floor center and 2 women know to both centers completed questionnaires consisting of the Urogenital Distress Inventory, the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire and the Leicester Cough Questionnaire.
Results: The prevalence of urinary incontinence among women with chronic cough was 65.5%. The prevalence of chronic cough among women with urinary (stress) incontinence seen at the gynaecology clinic was 23%. More serious urinary loss is associated with a greater impact on the quality of life. Smoking and age do not influence cough or urinary loss. Women with children report more urogenital problems, but not more involuntary urine loss. Being overweight has a negative influence on urine loss.
Conclusion: Urinary incontinence in women at the cough clinic is a major yet underestimated comorbidity. In contrast, in women seeking help for incontinence, the prevalence of cough does not exceed the reported cough prevalence in the general population.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015
