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Stress Incontinence
Almost 65 percent of women with CF will develop urine leakage, or urinary/stress incontinence, related to coughing, sneezing, laughing, and lifting. Stress incontinence occurs when the pressure inside the bladder exceeds that of the muscle that controls the release of urine. Women with worse pulmonary function are particularly at high risk for this due to chronic stress on the bladder muscles from coughing. Pelvic muscle exercises may reduce the symptoms of stress incontinence. Although more common in women, this problem can occur in males as well.
| Select the menu above to compare the normal muscles to muscles with CF.
Normal: The muscles in the pelvic floor prevent urine from escaping.
With CF: Weakened muscles in the pelvic floor can allow urine to leak during coughing. |
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Kidney Stones
Approximately six percent of adult CF patients will develop kidney stones, and about 40 percent will have recurrences. People with chronic diarrhea have altered absorption of oxalate, which may lead to the formation of calcium-based kidney stones. An increased amount of uric acid and decreased amount of citrate in the urine of CF patients also increases stone formation. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common stones found in CF patients. People who produce small volumes of urine are at a higher risk of developing kidney stones. Patients with kidney stones develop flank pain, fevers, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, kidney stones may lead to infection. Drinking large amounts of fluid and adequate pain control are the cornerstones of therapy.
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