Patient's question:
Medical Description: The patient is a 15-year-old female who has been experiencing frequent nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) from 3 years ago until now. Treatment history and effectiveness: She has taken Shouquan Wan (a traditional Chinese medicine) in the past, which was initially effective, but the condition recurred after a period of time. She has also tried Chinese herbal medicine, but the condition returned after some time. She is very worried. Desired help: Can this condition be completely cured?Doctor's answer:
First, it's important to identify the cause before treating the symptoms. Bedwetting should first be addressed with a urinalysis to rule out inflammation. However, the majority of cases are not due to inflammation but rather functional issues, and hospitals may not find anything significant. There are generally the following types:1. Problems with the pituitary gland: Abnormal secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which has a diuretic effect. In normal individuals, nighttime urine production is 2.5 times higher than during the day, but in children with enuresis, it is only 1.5 times higher. This leads to excessive nighttime urination.
2. Underdeveloped or delayed bladder development: Issues with the bladder sphincter or detrusor muscle.
- Symptoms: Frequent urination, urgency, and daytime wetting.
3. Problems or delayed development of the urinary center:
- A. Hidden spinal cord defect
- Symptoms: Difficulty waking up from sleep, confusion upon waking, and disorientation. Severe cases may include sleepwalking.
- B. Slow transmission of the urinary center
- Symptoms: Ability to wake up after urination.