Lower urinary tract symptoms place eldery men at risk for falls
May 15, 2008
Print This Article
Email this Article
Listen to this Article (MP3)
Symptoms most strongly associated with falling included urinary urgency, the need to push or strain to initiate urination, nocturia and urinary frequency. Urological medications to treat the symptoms did not decrease the risk. Therefore, screening for LUTS may only help identify at-risk individuals.
Injuries, as a result of a fall, often lead to temporary or permanent nursing care. Consequently, the diagnosis and awareness of LUTS as a risk factor should help caregivers and patients take the necessary precautions to prevent falls. Wearing a protective pad and ensuring a clear path to the restroom may also help prevent falls.
Participants in the study included community-dwelling men aged 65 years or older who were evaluated every six months for urinary symptoms, including urgency, nocturia, urinary frequency, and the need to push or strain to initiate urination. Those with moderate symptoms had a 21 percent and those with severe symptoms had a 63 percent increased risk for falling at least twice within one year.
Source: American Urological Association
Comments
Got something to say?