The side effects of smoking are well documented with smokers having a higher risk of developing respiratory tract infections, emphysema, various types of cancers, cardio vascular disease, stomach ulcers and peripheral vascular disease.

Yet another reason to cease smoking is revealed in a study from Finland, which reported urinary frequency and urgency are around 3 times more common in smokers compared to non-smokers. The goal of a questionnaire survey in a population-based cohort in Finland was to evaluate the association of smoking status and intensity on bladder frequency, nocturia, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urgency and urge incontinence (UI).

Dr Riikka Tahtinen from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reports, “Although smoking increases illness burden for many conditions, the relation between smoking and lower urinary tract symptoms remains unclear. Urgency and frequency are approximately three times more common among current than never smokers,” according to the study authors. Nocturia and SUI were not associated with smoking. Parallel associations for urgency and frequency with smoking intensity suggest a dose–response relationship.”

Obstet Gynecol. 2011;118:643-648. Abstract

If you know of anyone looking for support to quit smoking, check out the resources and treatments at
http://www.quitnow.gov.au/internet/quitnow/publishing.nsf/Content/news_lp