A nephrologist, Dr Maryam Almustapha, says bedwetting can run in families, urging adults who experience the condition to seek medical attention as it may be linked to an underlying health problem.
Almustapha, on Tuesday September 8, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that bedwetting, medically known as nocturnal enuresis, involves involuntary urination during sleep. While it is common among children, persistent bedwetting in older children and adults may require medical evaluation.
She identified genetics, hormonal imbalance, urinary tract infections, an overactive or small bladder, certain medications and stress among factors that can contribute to the condition. She explained that it occurs when the bladder cannot retain accumulated urine during sleep or the person does not wake up when the bladder is full.
The physician advised lifestyle changes, including avoiding excessive water and soft drinks late at night, urinating before bedtime and making regular toilet trips during the day. She also mentioned urine alarm devices as another option that can help train individuals to wake when the bladder is full.
According to Harvard Health, children are more likely to experience bedwetting when their parents had the condition during childhood, with genetic studies also identifying chromosome regions associated with nocturnal enuresis. Almustapha, however, advised adults with persistent bedwetting to consult healthcare professionals for proper assessment and treatment.
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