
Adult nocturnal enuresis: a guide to Incontinence at night time
Many adults suffer from incontinence, or the involuntary leakage of urine. This can be a very embarrassing and frustrating condition, especially when it occurs at night. This condition is called adult nocturnal enuresis, and it affects millions of adults worldwide. While there is no cure for adult nocturnal enuresis, there are treatments that can help lessen the frequency and severity of incontinence episodes. In this guide, we will cover what causes adult nocturnal enuresis, how it is diagnosed, and treatment options that are available
What Causes Adult Nocturnal Enuresis?
There are many potential causes of adult nocturnal enuresis. Common causes include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Bladder or kidney stones
- Certain medications (such as diuretics)
- Nerve damage (from surgery or diabetes)
- Sleep disorders (such as sleep apnea)
- Excess alcohol intake
- Excess fluid intake before bedtime
- Stress or anxiety
- Weak bladder muscles
How Is Adult Nocturnal Enuresis Diagnosed?
Adult nocturnal enuresis is typically diagnosed by a doctor through a medical history and physical examination. In some cases, additional tests (such as urinalysis or bladder function tests) may be ordered to rule out other potential causes of incontinence
Treatment Options for Adult Nocturnal Enuresis
There are many treatment options available for adult nocturnal enuresis. Some common treatments include
- Changing certain behaviors - such as cutting back on fluids before bedtime or avoiding caffeine-containing beverages
- Medications - such as desmopressin acetate (DDAVP), an anticholinergic medication, or imipramine hydrochloride, a tricyclic antidepressant
- Lifestyle changes - such as losing weight or quitting smoking
- Surgery - in severe cases where other treatments have failed
If you suffer from adult nocturnal enuresis, you are not alone. This condition affects millions of adults worldwide. While there is no cure for adult nocturnal enuresis, there are treatments that can help lessen the frequency and severity of incontinence episodes. If you think you may suffer from this condition, talk to your doctor about treatment options that are available to you.