Are smoking habits associated with urinary symptoms in women with overactive bladder?

This study investigated the association between smoking and urinary symptoms in women with overactive bladder (OAB). Researchers suggested that urgency and urine leakage was associated with age and smoking habits.

OAB consists of a sudden, uncontrolled need to urinate. Some people have incontinence (leakage of urine) and nocturia (need to urinate one or more times at night time). The occurrence of OAB depends on factors such as age, race, and socioeconomic status. OAB can have many causes, but prior studies showed that atherosclerosis (fat tissue that builds up in the blood vessels) is associated with bladder dysfunction. 

Smoking is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Previous reports suggested that smoking was associated with urinary symptoms. However, the impact of smoking on OAB severity is still not clear.

This study included information about 4756 female participants. All participants were assessed through a questionnaire about OAB symptoms. Smoking status was also assessed.

The current smokers and ex-smokers showed significantly higher rates of OAB symptoms when compared to non-smokers. Also, current smokers had slightly more urinary urgency and frequency compared to ex-smokers.

The occurrence of OAB and incontinence was higher in younger patients who smoked and decreased with age. OAB was found in 17.7% of patients aged 20 to 29 who smoked, 14.6% in the 30-39 age group, 14% in the 40-49 and 50-59 age groups, and 12.9% in the 60-69 age group. However, there was an increase in OAB in the 75 and older age group (15.6%). 

This study concluded that the occurrence of OAB symptoms is associated with age and smoking habits. The authors suggested that smoking habits worsen urinary symptoms, particularly in younger women.

This study used an internet-based OAB questionnaire. Therefore, it failed to collect significant data about patients aged 70 years of age or older. Further studies are necessary.