Stress incontinence and coughing.

[Jo_BLFHelpline]

Good Morning

I hope everyone is feeling well.

Last week we asked what part of your condition causes you the most problems and whilst breathlessness and tiredness seemed the most common coughing also cropped up.

Having a lung condition that causes coughing can also result in stress incontinence (urine that leaks out involuntary when you cough/sneeze)

This is a common problem for women with COPD for example but this can also happen to men.

This can be a really difficult and embarrasing subject to talk about, but there is help out there. Speak to your GP and they can refer you on to your local continence clinic. These clinics can help with this problem but also enable you to access pads which can be very expensive to buy.

As always please call us if we can help further - 03000 030 555.

Cheers

Jo

[Hidden]

This is not a medical question but please can you help me. On January 16th I filled out the membership form and paid £10 to join blf I have neither heard or recieved anything from them. I have emailed the eshop and also blf but they are just ignoring me. What else can I do?

My email [e-mail]

[Puffthemagicdragon]

I have been known to be " touching the cloth " at work once in a while but lucky enough there is a loo close by.

[libby7827]

Hi Jo, also, when we get very breathless many of us have an urgent need for the loo. I had this problem and looked for advice on the internet. I found out it's all part of the fight or flight response with the body wanting to get rid of any extra weight so we can fight/flee more efficiently (as if we could do either!). Once I knew that, something magic happened, don't ask me how or why as I have no clue, I found I was able to control it during extreme breathlessness. Libby

[Hidden in reply to libby7827]

Yes, when you find out, then it helps you to control it! Here is an interesting article to share:

copd.net/living/an-embarras...

[KingoftheCocktails]

I wondered why it happened.now I know

[O2Trees]

Hi Jo, I can testify to the briliance of continence clinics - i got pelvic floor exercises to do, general advice, also around "urge incontinence" the kind you get when you're turning the key in the door and get urgent need. (This is psychological and you have to talk to your bladder and tell it that you are in control, not it! And it really works). The exercises helped me no end, and i only get leaks now with exacerbations. You do have to keep on doing them though. jean

[Jo_BLFHelpline British Lung Foundation]

Hi Jean

This is really good information, it is such a worry when this happens so it is good to know there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Keep up the good work.

Cheers

Jo

[thatcham1939]

i have incontinence, especilly with coughing, but also i am on antibiotiics for constant urine infections, being diabetic i really have to watch my sugar carefully, but never mind i keep cheerful

jan

[wishoz]

Like you libby - when I read the reason for the wee problem, I have had more control over it -all goes to show how powerful the mind is. A change of mind can work wonders tho a coughing fit has a mind of it's own........ oops