Risk Factors and Causes of Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)
There are a number of causes for nocturnal enuresis. Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is often caused by a chromosomal abnormality and there is a strong genetic link associated with the condition. Children whose parents or siblings experienced bedwetting are at increased risk. If one parent had the condition, the risk is approximately 45% and if both parents had the condition, the risk is approximately 75%.
Other causes of PNE include the following:
- Abnormally positioned ureter (ectopic ureter; more common in females)
- Constipation
- Excessive urine output (polyuria; may result from excessive fluid intake)
- Heart condition that causes an irregular heartbeat (heart block)
- Neurological disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy, spinal cord disorders, neurogenic bladder)
- Sleep arousal disorder (e.g., not awaking in response to sensory signals)
- Urinary tract infection (UTI; e.g., cystitis)
- Urethral obstruction (congenital or acquired as a result of trauma or infection)
Secondary nocturnal enuresis may be caused by psychological issues (e.g., death in the family, sexual abuse, extreme bullying) and is often associated with stress. It may also result from an acquired condition such as diabetes, overproduction of hormone by the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), seizure disorder (e.g., epilepsy), and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Sign and Symptom of Bedwetting
Nocturnal enuresis causes regular involuntary bedwetting during sleep.
