Chapter 2 - Etiology, pathophysiology, and risk factors

Abstract

This chapter provides information on the etiology, pathophysiology, and risk factors associated with nocturia. It first provides information on the multifactorial pathophysiology aspects of nocturia, involving the complex interplay of a number of factors. Examples of some pathophysiological factors related to nocturia, such as sex hormone pathophysiology, certain drugs and timing of administration of these nocturia-causing drugs, circadian disorders, sleep apnea, etc. are described. The multifactorial pathophysiological factors are categorized into four main groups: nocturnal polyuria, low nocturnal bladder capacity, mixed or a combination of the first two, and global polyuria. Examples of each these four categories are listed. This chapter then describes the risk factors for nocturia, both negative (i.e., those that increase the risk of having nocturia) and positive (or protection factors against nocturia). It also describes gender-related risk factors, and concludes that women have more risk factors than men.