Which substances are known to worsen urge incontinence?

Caffeine and nicotine are well-documented substances that can worsen urge incontinence. They are both stimulants that can increase bladder activity and lead to more frequent urges to urinate. Caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and many soft drinks, acts as a bladder irritant by increasing the production of urine and potentially causing urgency. Similarly, nicotine can lead to increased bladder contractions, exacerbating incontinence symptoms.

While alcohol can also have a diuretic effect, causing increased urination, it does not specifically worsen urge incontinence like caffeine and nicotine do. Marijuana is generally considered to have a relaxing effect and does not have a known correlation with worsening urge incontinence.

Antidepressants and antihistamines are typically not associated with increasing urge incontinence; in fact, some antihistamines may decrease bladder contractions. Water and fruit juice are essential for hydration but are not known to worsen incontinence symptoms in the same way the other listed substances do. Therefore, the choice identifying caffeine and nicotine captures the known irritants that increase the frequency and urgency of urination in individuals with urge incontinence.