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Stress Incontinence
Almost 65 percent of women with CF will develop urine leakage, or urinary/stress incontinence, that occurs during 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 lung problems are at particularly high risk for this because of the additional stress on the bladder muscles from chronic coughing. Although this problem is more common in females, it is also an issue for boys as well. Exercises that help to strengthen the pelvic muscles may reduce the symptoms of stress incontinence.
| 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
About 6 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. People who produce small volumes of urine, such as CF patients, 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 become infected. Drinking large amounts of fluid and adequate pain control are the cornerstones of therapy. 
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