Bedwetting in adults in women (Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal or sleep enuresis, is a condition that is common in young children, but over time, it has been found to affect many adults.
However, its appearance in adults can be a sign of an underlying disease or condition.
It is quite an embarrassing condition for adults and the sufferer can become depressed and experience low self-esteem.
If you are an adult who wets the bed frequently, it is a good idea to discuss your symptoms with your primary care provider to find the root cause of your problem.
Your child will stop wetting the bed if you faithfully follow these tips
Here is everything you need to know about the causes and treatment of bedwetting in adults.
1. Genetics
One of the first places to look for causes of urinary incontinence is if there is a family history of nocturnal enuresis. It is not clear which genes are responsible for transmitting this condition. But if you have a parent who experienced nocturnal enuresis, they are more likely to experience it as well.
2. Diabetes
When blood sugar levels are high, the amount of urine increases as the kidneys try to control the sugar levels. This can lead to nocturnal enuresis, excessive urination (more than 3 liters per day) and frequent urination.
3. Overactive bladder
The bladder muscles normally contract when you are ready to urinate. With overactive bladders, these muscles contract too often or at the wrong times.
4. Sleep apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes you to stop and start breathing repeatedly. One study found that seven percent of people with this sleep disorder experience nocturnal enuresis. Urinating during sleep may become more frequent as sleep apnea worsens.
5. Hormonal imbalance
Another factor may have to do with ADH, the antidiuretic hormone. Its main function is to signal the kidneys to reduce the amount of urine produced. Instinctively, the body normally produces more ADH to prevent nocturnal enuresis. However, some people do not produce adequate amounts of this hormone at night, which leads to high urine output.
6. Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection can cause unexpected urine leakage and bed-wetting.
Similarly, pressure from a stone or tumor can cause the muscles of the bladder to contract unnecessarily. This can lead to frequent and uncontrolled urination.
7. Small bladder
In reality, a small bladder is not smaller than other bladders. Instead, it feels fuller at lower volumes, which means it works like it’s smaller. That means you may need to urinate more often, even at night. A small bladder can be difficult to manage while you sleep, and nocturnal enuresis can occur.
8. Medications
Some prescription medications can make you urinate more often and increase bladder contractions. This can cause the bed to get wet. These medications include sleeping pills, insomnia medications, antipsychotics, etc.
9.Psychological problems
Stress, anxiety, fear, and other psychological problems can also cause bedwetting.
Diagnosis
The cause of bed-wetting is usually determined by tests such as:
- A physical exam
- A neurological exam
- Urine analysis
- Urological examination
- Kidney and bladder ultrasound
Lifestyle treatment for enuresis
- Set fluid intake limitations
- Reduce or eliminate bladder irritants like sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol from your diet
- Make urination a routine. Set a schedule to make sure you urinate every one to two hours during the day
- Set a nighttime bathroom alarm to urinate in the middle of the night
- Protect your bed with special mattress covers
- Wear absorbent briefs at night
- A healthy diet rich in leafy greens and fiber is considered best for bedwetting patients.
Medical treatment
In many cases, nighttime urinary incontinence control comes down to treating underlying medical conditions. However, there are some prescription medications that have proven helpful.
- Anticholinergic medications to soothe an irritated bladder
- Antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections.
- Desmopressin Acetate increases ADH levels to decrease urine output at night
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