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Published on: December 6, 2016
Nocturnal enuresis in children with upper airway obstruction
Insights
Surgical removal of upper airway obstruction significantly decreased or cured nocturnal enuresis in most children studied. This intervention offers a promising solution for enuresis linked to breathing difficulties.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Otolaryngology
- Urology
Background:
- Upper airway obstruction (UAO) is a common condition in children.
- Enuresis, or involuntary urination, affects a significant number of children.
- The relationship between UAO and enuresis requires further investigation.
Observation:
- This study reviewed 35 children aged 3.5 to 11 years with symptoms of UAO and enuresis.
- Twenty-eight patients presented with primary enuresis, while 7 had secondary enuresis.
- Polysomnographic tracings were utilized in four children to explore the UAO-enuresis connection.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention to remove UAO resulted in a significant decrease or complete cure of nocturnal enuresis in 26 out of 35 patients.
- The study highlights a strong correlation between resolving UAO and improving enuresis symptoms.
Implications:
- Treating upper airway obstruction may be an effective strategy for managing childhood enuresis.
- Further research into the physiological mechanisms linking UAO and enuresis is warranted.
- This approach could improve the quality of life for children suffering from both conditions.
Abstract:
This article reviews 35 children between the ages of 3 1/2 and 11 years who have had symptoms of upper airway obstruction and enuresis. Twenty-eight patients had primary enuresis, and 7 had secondary enuresis. Removal of upper airway obstruction by surgical intervention led to a significant decrease or complete cure of nocturnal enuresis in 26 patients. Four children were studied with polysomnographic tracings in relationship to their enuresis.
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