[Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to nocturia in Primary Care]

Nocturia is the interruption of the main sleep, one or more times, due to the need for urination. It is associated with a decrease in the quality of life and an increase in mortality. It is a complex and multifactorial symptom in which two pathophysiological mechanisms are mainly involved. These occur alone or in combination as nocturnal polyuria or decreased bladder capacity. Nocturnal polyuria is the most frequent. The preparation of a bladder diary is the key to diagnosis. Treatment usually combines lifestyle changes and drug therapy. Desmopressin has proven to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment in patients with nocturnal polyuria. The risk of hyponatraemia should be controlled in patients treated with desmopressin.