Urinary incontinence (enuresis) is a medical name for bedwetting. It refers
to the involuntary discharge of urine during sleep. There are different types of
bedwetting, such as diurnal enuresis, nocturnal enuresis, primary or secondary
enuresis, etc. Then, can Polycystic Kidney Disease cause urinary
incontinence?
Actually, patients with PKD may experience the symptom of excessive
incontinence, which is caused due to the decline of the concentration of the
kidney. Generally, adult PKD is often manifested with nocturnal enuresis.
Besides, a number of factors may contribute to this problem:
▪ Genetic fators
▪ A family history of enuresis
▪ A stressful life event
▪ Urinary tract infection
▪ Disorders that cause an excessive volume of urine
▪ Poor sleep habits or the presence of a sleep disorder
Besides, other urinary changes may occur among people with PKD as below:
1. Blood in the urine, or hematuria
This can arise as a result of the disease. If this occurs, the urine can
appear orange, pink or red in color. With continuously enlarged cysts, the
pressure between cyst and cyst will lead to rupture of cysts, leading to
hematuria.
Hematuria can also be caused by the kidney bleeding.
2. Recurrence urinary tract infections
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include frequent or urgent urination, a
burning or painful sensation during urination or lower abdominal pain or back
pain. This condition can significantly damage the kidneys.
There may be no symptoms in the early stages of PKD. The cysts usually start
growing during the teenage years. Early diagnosis and effective treatment can
help us stop the progression of the disease.
