The causes of adult bedwetting are often related to illness or disease. In rare cases, there may be a genetic component to the condition. Also known as nocturnal enuresis, adult bedwetting affects 26 million adults annually, according to the Simon Foundation for Continence. Patients diagnosed with primary nocturnal enuresis have had the condition since childhood. Primary nocturnal enuresis affects 1 percent of the population. Secondary nocturnal enuresis, or adult onset enuresis, affects 2 percent of the population.
Sleep Apnea
People suffering from sleep apnea have a blockage of the airway that interrupts nighttime breathing. Not only is the condition dangerous if left untreated, but also it can cause nocturnal enuresis. Elderly patients are more likely to experience sleep apnea than younger adults, and obese individuals are at greater risk of developing the condition. Fortunately, sleep apnea is easily treated. A mechanical device is used to keep the airway open at night. In more serious cases, surgery may be required.
Chronic Constipation
Chronic constipation can cause secondary nocturnal enuresis in adults. When the bowels are full, they place pressure on the bladder. Chronic constipation can also reduce the volume capacity of the bladder. In an October 2006 article published in the "Journal of Urology," Dr. Wendy F. Bower wrote that children with infrequent bowel function had a higher likelihood of developing nocturnal enuresis as adults. Physicians can treat chronic constipation with a combination of drug therapy and dietary changes.
Genetic Causes
Children who have parents who were both enuretic have a 77 percent chance of being enuretic themselves. If only one parent was enuretic, the chances decrease, but only to 44 percent. These statistics continue even as children reach adulthood. There is a vast amount of research on the topic of childhood nocturnal enuresis. Unfortunately, primary adult nocturnal enuresis has not received the same attention from scientists. As of 2010, the condition is still not well understood and treatment options are fairly limited.
Diabetes
Diabetes, specifically diabetes insipidus, can cause adult bedwetting. Patients with diabetes insipidus produce large volumes of urine. This increased production can lead to nocturnal enuresis. Diabetes insipidus occurs when a hormone imbalance exists in the body or when the kidneys fail to process certain hormones. The condition is highly treatable with medication or hormone therapy.
Diuretics
Diuretics, also known as water pills, are drugs that cleanse the body of excessive salt and fluid. Physicians sometimes prescribe diuretics to patients with hypertension or high blood pressure. Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorothiazide and Triamterene are examples of commonly prescribed diuretics. Increased urination and nocturnal enuresis can be side effects of diuretics. Patients experiencing these side effects should inform their physicians. A doctor can decrease the dosage or prescribe a different medication.
References
- The Simon Foundation for Continence: Welcome
- Pediatric Education: Archive
- National Association for Incontinance: Adult Nocturnal Enuresis
- "Journal of Urology"; Nocturnal Enuresis in Adolescents and Adults is Associated with Childhood Elimination Symptoms; Wendy F. Bower, Ph.D.; October 2006
