What is the difference between urinary incontinence and bedwetting, Their symptoms, causes, and effective treatments. Urinary incontinence is defined as the leakage of urine, especially at night, and occurs as a result of a person losing bladder control.
While bedwetting is defined as the loss of bladder control in general and can occur at any time, day or night, we will learn about the difference between the two, their symptoms, and their effective treatments.
What is urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control. It is a common problem that occurs occasionally during sneezing or coughing.
It is an embarrassing condition in which the affected person feels a sudden, intense urge to urinate, which may prevent them from reaching the toilet in time.
What is bedwetting
Bedwetting is defined as the involuntary and frequent leakage of urine during sleep, and it most commonly occurs in children aged five and older.
It can cause a person to wake up due to the urgent need to urinate or to leak during sleep.
Symptoms of Urinary Incontinence and Bedwetting
Common symptoms of urinary incontinence include:
- Urine leakage that occurs when coughing, sneezing, or laughing.
- A sudden, urgent urge to urinate without being able to reach the bathroom in time.
- The need to urinate frequently during the day or night.
- Waking up several times at night to urinate.
Symptoms of bedwetting include:
- A sudden, urgent urge to urinate.
- Constantly wetting underwear.
- A feeling of residual urine in the bladder after urinating.
- Frequent urination: The number of times you urinate may reach eight or more in a 24-hour period.
- Involuntary leakage of urine.
Causes of urinary incontinence
There are many causes of urinary incontinence, including temporary factors such as:
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can increase pressure on the bladder.
- Vaginal childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, causing the bladder to prolapse.
- Aging and muscle weakness with age can cause poor bladder control.
- Decreased estrogen levels after menopause can affect bladder health.
- Cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men are a common cause of urinary incontinence.
Causes of Bedwetting
There are several causes that can cause bedwetting in children, including:
- Small bladders in children, as the bladder is not fully developed.
- The child not waking up when the bladder is full during sleep.
- Exposure to psychological stress, such as anxiety and tension.
- Deficient production of ADH, the antidiuretic hormone, at night.
- Chronic constipation can affect the muscles involved in urination.
- Drinking plenty of fluids before bedtime.
- Bladder muscle problems.
Is urinary incontinence the same as bedwetting
No, there is a difference between them. Bedwetting generally means a loss of bladder control and can occur during the day or night, while incontinence occurs during sleep.
Treatment of urinary incontinence
Treatment of urinary incontinence relies on making lifestyle changes, such as Kegel exercises, to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
In severe cases, minor procedures may be required, such as Botox injections, surgical procedures to raise the urethra, or implanting an artificial urinary sphincter.
Medications prescribed by a doctor, such as anticholinergics or medications that relax the bladder muscles, may also be used.
What is the best medication for bedwetting
There is no single best medication for bedwetting. The treating physician prescribes appropriate medications based on the patient's condition and age. These medications include:
The doctor prescribes desmopressin, which reduces the amount of urine produced at night. It is used in cases that have not responded to other medications.
Other medications, such as oxybutynin or solifenacin, may be prescribed in some cases, such as bladder spasms or overactive bladder, especially in cases of daytime bedwetting.
Treatments for Urinary Incontinence and Bedwetting
Treatment depends on the cause of the problem and the person's age and includes lifestyle changes. The doctor prescribes the appropriate treatment based on the patient's condition:
- It is important to reduce fluid intake in the evening, especially one to two hours before bedtime.
- Avoid beverages containing caffeine or alcohol.
- Establish a urination schedule based on reminders to go to the bathroom regularly during the day and once immediately before bedtime.
- Perform Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles and support the bladder.
Types of Urinary Incontinence
There are several main types of urinary incontinence, including:
- Stress incontinence, which is the leakage of urine when pressure on the bladder increases due to coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting heavy objects.
- Functional incontinence occurs when there is no problem with the urinary system itself, but physical limitations such as difficulty moving or cognitive difficulties are present.
- Urge incontinence, which is the sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate.
- Mixed incontinence, which combines stress incontinence and urge incontinence.
- Overflow incontinence, which occurs when the bladder cannot completely empty.
Bedwetting in Children
- Bedwetting in children is a common condition that occurs at an early age due to an underdeveloped bladder or a child's failure to recognize when it's full during deep sleep.
- It can be the result of physical factors such as a urinary tract infection, hormonal problems, or behavioral issues.
- Treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause and may include lifestyle changes or exercises such as Kegel exercises.
Summary of the Difference Between Urinary Incontinence and Bedwetting
Bedwetting is defined as a general loss of bladder control and can occur at any time, day or night, while bedwetting is a specific condition that occurs during sleep.
Thus, bedwetting is a broader term that describes the involuntary leakage of urine, which can occur during the day or night. Nocturnal enuresis, specifically, refers to the leakage of urine during sleep.