Bedwetting in adults

Often frowned upon, the term nocturnal enuresis is more socially acceptable.However! The principle remains the same. Nocturnal enuresis is a highly embarrassing condition that has been described as "taboo". Yes, bedwetting is often associated with children, as if this phenomenon only affected boys and girls under the age of eight.Well no, for many reasons adults are also affected by nocturnal enuresis. But why? A BRIEF DEFINITION OF NOCTURNAL ENURESIS Nocturnal enuresis or bedwetting is the uncontrollable and irrepressible urination during the night. Although controlled during the day, an adult's urination is involuntary at night. This phenomenon, which is sometimes taboo, nevertheless affects between 2% and 3% of the population.In small children, nocturnal enuresis is very often a stage in the growth and development of the body, moving from the nervous system to the bladder, the body grows and then the enuresis stops.In adults, there are many causes and they are not the result of a growth problem. In fact, nocturnal enuresis in adults is more a symptom than a disease. ENURESIS IN ADOLESCENTS It is often caused by an emotional disorder in young teenagers, reflected in a certain refusal to grow up, major stress, etc. It can also be the result of an organic disease. These are generally genetic malformations of the urinary tract, urinary tract infections, etc.This problem also occurs in cases of bladder immaturity or poor hormonal regulation leading to excessive urine production. This ultimately increases the risk of "night-time dramas". ACCIDENTS HAPPEN SO QUICKLY! First of all, it's important to know that nocturnal enuresis in adults can be accidental. In fact, two situations can cause uncontrolled urination during the night, and only occasionally. Firstly, excessive alcohol consumption increases urine production, and drunkenness can impair waking up to the need to urinate. Secondly, nocturnal enuresis can occur accidentally when the person dreams that they are in the toilet or in a suitable place to urinate. In this case, the subconscious causes an accidental release of the bladder by transposing the dream into reality. These two scenarios are very often the causes of a 'bed-wetting' accident. Finally, some studies show that smokers who cough more than non-smokers are particularly affected by enuresis.Coughing can sometimes cause "uncontrolled leaks". MULTIPLE CAUSES However, if the problem recurs frequently, even several times a week, and the enuresis shows a certain recurrence, the psychological aspect needs to be analysed. Emotional shock or severe stress can cause night-time urine leakage. But that's not all. Yes, age also plays a role! If nocturnal enuresis appears quite late, physiological causes should be explored. In fact, pathologies that occur as we age, such as diabetes or an enlarged prostate, can explain cases of nocturnal enuresis.It should be noted that 30% of people aged 75 are affected by incontinence. The most frequent cases are linked to sphincter insufficiency, or to the fact that the bladder is too distended. Did you know? In the elderly, enuresis can also be caused by cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Depending on the cause of nocturnal enuresis, medical treatment will vary. Don't hesitate to consult your doctor - bedwetting is nothing to be ashamed of! SOME POSSIBLE REMEDIES The stop-peeing alarm: Doctors may recommend a "stop-pee" alarm to combat bedwetting in adults. The system is very simple: the alarm sounds as soon as the first drop of urine is detected. The person then wakes up and can go to the toilet. According to various studies, these alarms are quite effective, with a success rate of almost 90%. Prescriptions for this type of device last 2 to 3 months, and there are not many relapses. Medication: There is one drug that doctors can prescribe. It is based on desmopressin. This is a drug that blocks urine secretion during the night. While the success of this drug approaches that of the alarm, the relapse rates here are more alarming!It is often advisable to combine these two treatments to combat enuresis effectively and avoid relapses. good lifestyle habits to prevent enuresis: Drink sensibly and limit excessive fluid consumption. Similarly, avoid drinking coffee or fizzy drinks. This will help reduce the risk of bladder irritation, which is sometimes the cause of enuresis.It is important to limit sugar consumption after 5pm.