Bed Wetting
Bed wetting, or primary nocturnal enuresis, is a common issue that many families experience. Nocturnal Enuresis is a common occurrence among kids aged 4 and younger. During this stage of development, children are still learning how to control their bladder. Bed wetting is not a sign of toilet training gone array. All children go through this phase, and they will eventually outgrow it.
Bed Wetting Common Causes
Bed wetting is not done on purpose. Common causes of bed wetting are:
Bed Wetting | Causes | Conditions in Children
- Deep sleep patterns. Entering a deep sleep may prevent kids from waking up from the stimulus of urination.
- Antidiuretic Hormone (Anti-diuretic Hormone Wiki Page) (ADH) Deficiency – The lack of the hormone that signals the kidneys to release water may contribute to bed wetting.
- Nervous System Development – The “need to go” may not have developed yet.
- Social/Emotional Factors – Stress (Psychological Stress & Adrenaline) plays a part in a child’s propensity for bed-wetting.
However, for adults, bed wetting is a serious issue that needs to be addressed right away. Bed wetting in adults is usually a sign for a more serious condition.
Secondary Nocturnal Enuresis Conditions
- Diabetes (Read About Excessive Sugar Consumption Effects)
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Prostate cancer ( Read About Prostate Cancer Patterns| Development and Progression)
- Prostate enlargement ( Read About PSA Test and Prostate Cancer)
- Urinary tract stones (Read About Bladder Stone Removal)
- Urinary tract infection (Read About Bladder Infection Causes | Catheter) (UTI)
- Bladder Cancer (Read About Diet & Bladder Cancer)
The emotional repercussions of secondary nocturnal enuresis range from embarrassment to depression. On several occasions, the patient encounters a loss of self-esteem, difficulty with interpersonal relationships, anxiety (Foods for Anxiety Reduction), and depression. The underlying condition for an adult with secondary nocturnal enuresis needs to be treated in order to stop bed wetting.
Testing Methods
Several testing methods are required to properly diagnose a person with secondary nocturnal enuresis.
- Physical examination
- Urological examinations (Pediatric Urology Conditions)
- Neurological Evaluation
Since the underlying causes of secondary nocturnal enuresis are usually high-risk, it is advised that patients reach out to their physicians upon the first occurrence in order to properly diagnose the condition. To treat nocturnal enuresis, several medicines are available that treat only the symptom and not the underlying condition – e.g. Desmopressin (Desmopressin Wiki Page), Imipramine. Anticholinergic medications are also used to treat nocturnal enuresis, such as: Darifenacin, Oxybutinin, Tolterodine (Tolterodine Wiki Page), Trospium Chloride, and Solifenacin. It’s highly recommended to consult a physician for a full examination before taking any medication for nocturnal enuresis.