From the Research
Relationship Between UTIs and COPD
- The relationship between urinary tract infections (UTIs) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is complex, with some studies suggesting that UTIs can exacerbate COPD symptoms 1, 2.
- A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that the incidence of UTIs increased over time, and that suffering from COPD increased the risk of in-hospital mortality (IHM) among men, but not among women 1.
- Another study published in The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine found that 83% of E. coli strains responsible for UTIs in COPD patients carried extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes, which can make treatment more challenging 2.
Exacerbations of COPD
- Exacerbations of COPD can be triggered by various factors, including bacterial and viral infections, air pollution, and other respiratory tract infections 3, 4.
- A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that viral and/or bacterial infection was detected in 78% of COPD exacerbations, and that patients with infectious exacerbations had longer hospitalizations and greater impairment of lung function 4.
- Another study published in Respiratory Care found that exacerbation frequency may vary with the severity of COPD, and that patients with chronic respiratory failure are particularly susceptible to exacerbation 3.
Impact of UTIs on COPD
- UTIs can potentially exacerbate COPD symptoms by increasing the risk of in-hospital mortality and complicating treatment due to antibiotic resistance 1, 2.
- However, more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between UTIs and COPD, and to determine the best course of treatment for patients with both conditions 5, 1, 2, 3, 4.