Get the Facts About Bedwetting | Tennessee Valley Urology Center
Bedwetting, also known as “nocturnal enuresis,” is a common issue among children younger than age 6. However, adults who have medical conditions like diabetes, UTIs and neurological disorders can also experience bedwetting.
Our team at Tennessee Valley Urology Center wants to share some insight into why bedwetting occurs in both populations. Read on as we take a look.
What Causes Bedwetting?
Bedwetting is defined as the loss of bladder control during the night. While both children and adults can experience bedwetting, the causes usually differ between the age groups.
For instance, in children, bedwetting often occurs because they simply haven’t gained enough control over their bladder to be able to maintain control while sleeping.
However, in adults, bedwetting can be a symptom of:
- Anxiety
- Diabetes
- Caffeine overdose
- Urinary tract infection
- Stress
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinary tract stones
- Anatomical abnormalities
- Prostate cancer
- Prostate enlargement
- Bladder cancer
- Obstructive sleep apnea
How Is Bedwetting Diagnosed?
When it comes to bedwetting, you want to make sure an underlying medical condition isn’t to blame. Once a physician is able to rule out any other medical disorder that could be associated with bedwetting, “enuresis” is diagnosed.
Symptoms of bedwetting in children and adults include:
- Blood stains on underpants or pajamas
- Wetting during the day
- Straining, dribbling or other unusual symptoms with urination
- Cloudy or pinkish urine
- Soiling
- Frequency, urgency or burning on urination
- Being unable to control bowel movements
- Constipation
What Is the Treatment for Bedwetting?
For many cases of bedwetting, the issue resolves on its own. However, there might be other steps you can take to help your children stop wetting the bed at night.
For instance, reduce the amount of liquid they have during the evening hours and make sure they are taken to the restroom right before bed.
It may also be beneficial to wake your child during the night to urinate, at least for a length of time.
Do you think bedwetting might be a sign of another urological issue? Our team at Tennessee Valley Urology Center is here to help! Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.