WHAT IS NOCTURIA?
Nocturia is the excessive urination at night. Waking up 2 or more times at night to urinate is indicative of nocturia
SYMPTOMS OF NOCTURIA
People who have nocturia wakes up 2 or more times at night to urinate causing disruptions in a normal sleep cycle. This may lead to feeling tired the next day, reduced productivity and quality of life. The elderly may be prone to falls with frequent toilet trips in the night.
DIAGNOSING NOCTURIA
A bladder diary may be required by the doctor to diagnose nocturia. A bladder diary will record how much you drink, your output of urine and when you urinate. It is the most important test to find out the underlying causes of nocturia e.g. nocturnal polyuria, overactive bladder or benign prostate enlargement.
TREATMENTS FOR NOCTURIA
Treatments for nocturia include Lifestyle changes e.g. drinking habits and Medications such as anticholinergics, vasopressin and diuretic drugs and even Surgery. Treatment for underlying medical conditions that contribute to nocturia is also important e.g. obstructive sleep apnoea, heart failure and diabetes mellitus. Surgery is minimally invasive and can be done to treat the underlying cause. For example, an overactive bladder can be treated with injections with muscle relaxing medication or electrical nerve stimulation.