"Nocturia"---A health issue worthy of attention

Increased nocturia is one of the common lower urinary tract symptoms with a high incidence rate. It seriously affects patients' daily life and treatment, and often leads to complications such as depression, cognitive dysfunction, mood disorders, and fall injuries.

Research in my country shows that 57.5% of people over 18 urinate once or more at night, and 24.7% urinate twice or more. Excessive nocturnal urination, especially short sleep time between falling asleep and first urination, has a serious impact on the quality of life.

In 2002, the International Continence Society defined nocturia as patients waking up to urinate more than once a night due to the urge to urinate. The prevalence of nocturia increases with age. Among them, advanced age, high body mass index, smoking, hypertension and diabetes are high-risk factors for nocturia.

The etiology and pathophysiological mechanisms of nocturia are complex. For example, diabetes, diabetes insipidus, and primary polydipsia can cause increased urine output throughout the day. Certain drugs can also cause polyuria, such as cortisol, thyroxine, antidepressants, and anti-epileptic drugs. Prostatic hyperplasia, overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis, neurogenic bladder, etc. can lead to a reduction in functional bladder capacity, resulting in increased nocturia. Even if there are primary sleep disorders such as sleep disorders, nocturia symptoms may occur. It should be noted that intravesical chemotherapy or ketamine can also produce similar effects.

During the first visit, the doctor will ask about the patient's medical history, sleep conditions, and recent medication history in detail. The patient is usually required to keep a urination diary (time and volume of each urination). The doctor will further determine the cause of nocturia through relevant examinations and conduct subsequent intervention and treatment based on the cause. Therefore, if you find that you have increased frequency of urination at night or polyuria at night, please go to the hospital in time. Source: Yan Qiuxia, Beijing Hospital

Beijing Hospital Urology Department Public Forum