Overactive Bladder Risk Higher in Women Who Smoke

Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in women, according to a new British study.

In a retrospective study, Chendrimada Madhu, MD, of the Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital in Bristol, U.K., and colleagues analyzed data from 11,678 women who underwent urodynamic testing. Of these, 2,476 reported smoking cigarettes. Smoking cigarettes was associated with a significant 14% increased risk of OAB symptoms, 2.2 times increased risk of secondary nocturnal enuresis, and 14% increased risk of coital incontinence, Dr. Madhu's team reported online ahead of print in Urologia Internationalis.

Results showed that the most significant urodynamic findings were detrusor overactivity and detrusor overactivity incontinence. Compared with non-smokers, smokers had a significant 42% increased risk of detrusor overactivity and 42% increased risk of detrusor overactivity incontinence, according to the investigators.
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The researchers found no significant association between smoking and stress urinary incontinence or urodynamic stress incontinence.

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