What might be causing bed-wetting in adults and how can it be treated?
Bed-wetting in adults, also known as nocturnal enuresis, can be caused by various factors. It might be due to a medical condition, medication, or bladder issues. Here are some common causes and treatments: **Causes:** 1. **Kidney Issues:** Your kidneys might produce more urine than normal, possibly due to low levels of the hormone ADH. 2. **Diabetes Insipidus:** This condition affects ADH levels, leading to increased urine production. 3. **Bladder Capacity:** A small bladder may not hold enough urine, causing leakage. 4. **Overactive Bladder (OAB):** The bladder muscles may squeeze too often or at the wrong times. 5. **Medications:** Some drugs, like sleeping pills or antipsychotics, can irritate the bladder. 6. **Other Conditions:** Bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and diseases of the brain and spine (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease) can also cause bed-wetting. **Diagnosis:** Your doctor will perform an exam and ask about your symptoms and health history. They may also conduct tests like urinalysis, urine culture, uroflowmetry, and post-void residual urine measurement. **Treatments:** 1. **Bladder Retraining:** Go to the bathroom at set times and gradually increase the time between visits. 2. **Fluid Management:** Avoid drinking fluids before bed and limit caffeine and alcohol. 3. **Alarms:** Use an alarm clock or a bed-wetting alarm system to wake you up at night. 4. **Medications:** Desmopressin (DDAVP) reduces urine production, and other drugs can calm overactive bladder muscles. 5. **Botox:** Injections into the bladder can relax the muscles. 6. **Procedures:** Sacral nerve stimulation and detrusor myectomy are options if other treatments fail. **Management Tips:** Use waterproof mattress covers and absorbent pads until the condition is under control. Consult your doctor if initial treatments don't work, as finding the right solution may take time.