Acute Incontinence

Acute onset of incontinence is frequently related to the patient's underlying medical status. Incontinence is often a signal of acute illness unrelated to the urinary tract. For example, an older patient with pneumonia may develop incontinence, perhaps because of confusion or weakness. Or, a recent onset of incontinence may be related to a change in medication. Hospitalization is often a precipitant of acute incontinence.

A mnemonic that is frequently used for acute incontinence is DIAPPERS:

D delirium

I infections

A atrophic vaginitis

P pharmaceuticals

P psychiatric problems (depression\dementia)

E endocrine problems (glycosuria\calciuria)

R restricted mobility

S stool impaction