Q: Which doctor should I consult if I suffer from nocturia?
A: Consult your family doctor. He may refer you to an urologist for further evaluation.
Q: Can certain medications cause nocturia?
A: Certain drugs termed diuretics can increase urinary frequency if taken before bed time.
Also, drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea at night can cause nocturia.
Q: Is nocturia a serious condition?
A: It is not a serious condition as much as being uncomfortable and causing sleep disturbances. It needs to be thoroughly evaluated as it may be a warning sign of an underlying disease.
Q: Is getting up at night to urinate occasionally considered as nocturia?
A: No. Getting up at night once in a while to pass urine is perfectly normal. Nocturia is said to be present if one wakes up regularly at night to pass urine.
Q: Are nocturia and bedwetting the same condition?
A: No. In bedwetting the person passes urine involuntarily in sleep. In nocturia the person is disturbed from sleep to use the bathroom.
Q: What can I do to reduce the occurrence of nocturia?
A: While it is important to treat any underlying cause, one can avoid consuming medications (diuretics) or foods known to cause urinary frequency before bed. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages after evening. Putting up your feet during the day would reduce leg swelling. Walking can also be beneficial as it helps to push the water back into the bloodstream.
