Enuresis Nocturna And The Symptoms Of Upper Airway Obstruction In Primary School Age Children: Is There A Relationship?

Objective: Enuresis Nocturna (EN) associated with symptoms of upper airway obstruction was frequently observed in various studies. In this study, EN associated with symptoms of upper airway obstruction (breathing problem while sleeping, sleep apnea syndrome, sleeping with open mouth, snoring) was examined.Methods: This study was conducted on 2314 students between 6-14 years age, from 3 primary schools in Ankara between January-May 2011. The questionnaires, questioning EN and the symptoms of upper airway obstruction, were distributed to students to be filled in by parents.Results: The mean age of 2314 study participants (1123 male, 1191 female) was 9.21 +/- 2.08 (6-14 years). When students were evaluated as groups with EN and without EN, a statistically significant difference was detected between groups regarding upper airway obstruction symptoms (breathing problem while sleeping, sleep apnea syndrome, sleeping with open mouth and snoring) (respectively p=0.002, p=0.036, p<0.001, p<0.001). When students were examined by dividing into 3 age groups as Group I(6-8 age), Group II(9-11 age) and Group III(12-14 age), a statistically significant difference was detected between age groups with EN (+), regarding breathing problem while sleeping and sleep apnea syndrome (respectively p=0.025, p=0.004).Conclusion: As was detected in this study, EN could accompany upper airway obstruction symptoms as was detected in this study. Thus, taking a detailed medical history and physical examination at the primary care centers is significant.