Rehabilitation strategies for managing urinary incontinence in COPD: a review of literature

Abstract

Abstract Background Urinary incontinence (UI) is linked to an increase in social disengagement, fractures and falls, depression, lack of concentration, elevated anxiety, and nursing home admissions, which has a significant negative impact on quality of life and the economy. Respiratory illness is regarded as a risk factor for urinary incontinence as coughing, and dyspnea raises the intra-abdominal pressure and results in an additional strain on the bladder. If the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) are weak, this might then cause leaking. Methods A literature search was conducted using multiple databases for physiotherapeutic treatment options for urinary incontinence in COPD for the present review. Results A keyword search yielded 9081 articles of which 11 articles were included in the present review according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Conclusion There is a lack of studies involving both conditions; for treatment, we can combine some physiotherapy interventions of UI with COPD to achieve the desired result and as suitable for the patient.

Keywords

• Urinary incontinence
• COPD
• Pelvic floor exercise
• Biofeedback