Prevalence of urinary incontinence in patients with chronic cough: a systematic review
Clinical Snapshot
PICO Framework
| P — Population | Patients with chronic cough-related diseases across all age groups |
| I — Intervention | Chronic cough (exposure) |
| C — Comparator | Healthy populations without chronic cough |
| O — Outcomes | Prevalence of urinary incontinence |
Bottom Line
This systematic review demonstrates that urinary incontinence is significantly more common in patients with chronic cough than in healthy populations, affecting up to 74% of adult women and 39% of adult men. However, the evidence quality is low with substantial variation between studies. The wide prevalence ranges likely reflect differences in study populations, cough severity, and measurement methods. Despite these limitations, the consistent finding of elevated UI rates across all demographic groups suggests clinicians should routinely screen chronic cough patients for urinary symptoms. The stigma associated with urogenital disorders means patients rarely volunteer this information, making active inquiry essential. Given the potential impact on quality of life, positive screens warrant referral to appropriate continence services for comprehensive assessment and management.
Key Findings
P Value: Not applicable for prevalence study
Effect Size: Pediatric: 2.2-45%; Adult women: 30.4-74%; Adult men: 2.4-39%
Primary Outcome: Prevalence of urinary incontinence in chronic cough patients
Nnt Or Sensitivity: Higher prevalence than healthy populations (specific comparison rates not quantified)
Confidence Interval: Not reported
Clinical Application
Screening questions about urinary incontinence can be easily incorporated into routine chronic cough assessments Relevant to Australian practice where chronic cough management follows similar international guidelines; referral pathways to continence services align with existing healthcare structures Patients with chronic cough across all age groups, particularly relevant for respiratory and primary care settings
Abstract
Chronic cough-related diseases increase the risk of urinary incontinence (UI) due to repeated intra-abdominal pressure affecting the pelvic floor. Existing studies focus on specific diseases rather than UI as a broader consequence. To determine the prevalence of UI in patients with chronic cough-related diseases and compare it with the prevalence in healthy populations. A systematic review was conducted using Medline, Embase, Cochrane, OVID, Scopus, ProQuest, PEDro, and EBSCO. Two independent reviewers screened studies using predefined criteria in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. Only prevalence studies were included. Data were extracted, synthesized, and assessed using the GRADE approach for evidence quality and the STROBE checklist for reporting quality. Prevalence estimates varied widely based on demographic characteristics. UI prevalence ranged from 2.2% to 45% in pediatric patients, 30.4% to 74% in adult women, and 2.4% to 39% in adult men. The quality of evidence was low, while reporting quality was acceptable. UI is a common complication in patients with chronic cough, with a higher prevalence than in healthy populations. Due to the stigma surrounding urogenital disorders, clinicians should actively inquire about UI during patient history-taking and refer affected individuals for appropriate treatment.
References
- 1.Scotti, L., & Salvitti, S. (2026). Prevalence of urinary incontinence in patients with chronic cough: a systematic review. Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease, Article 3767. https://doi.org/10.4081/monaldi.2026.3767
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