Tien‑Lin Chang, Hann‑Chorng Kuo*
Department of Urology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
Open Access funded by Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation
Abstract
Nocturia is defined as the nocturnal frequency of one or more voiding episodes per night. It increases with aging and has an impact on sleep quality and the risks of falling and mortality. Nocturia disorder involves nighttime frequency, nocturnal polyuria, and nocturnal enuresis. In older adults with nocturia disorder, multiple factors could contribute to nocturia severity and characteristics, including poor sleep quality, lower urinary tract dysfunction, and excessive fluid output. Several nonurological medical diseases have been found to result in nocturia, such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Urological and medical assessments should be performed to diagnose nocturia disorder. A frequency volume chart to evaluate the nocturnal polyuria index, functional bladder capacity, and urodynamic study can reveal the presence of nocturnal polyuria and lower urinary tract dysfunction. Treatment should be based on multiple nocturia etiologies, and a combination of multiple therapies for individual pathophysiology will achieve a better treatment outcome.
Keywords: Bladder outlet obstruction, Lower urinary tract dysfunction, Nocturnal incontinence, Urinary frequency
