Urinary incontinence

Etiology

Transient incontinence: DIAPPERS

  • Delirium
  • Infection
  • Atrophic vaginitis or urethritis
  • Pharmacology, eg, anticholinergics, diuretics, hypnotics
  • Psychiatric disorders, eg, psychosis, depression
  • Excess urine, eg, edema, hyperglycemia, hypercalcemia
  • Restricted mobility
  • Stool impaction
Established incontinence
  • Detrusor overactivity (urge incontinence or "overactive" bladder)
  • Urethral incompetence (stress incontinence, eg, multiparity, pelvic surgery)
  • Urethral obstruction (eg, benign prostatic hyperplasia; can also present as urge or overflow)
  • Detrusor underactivity (overflow incontinence, eg, neurogenic bladder, anticholinergics)
  • Mixed incontinence (urge and stress)

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