Nocturnal Urination (Nocturia): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may occur together with pathological nocturia (nocturnal urination):

Leading symptoms

  • Increased urine production during the night, so that the affected person has to go to the toilet several times during the night.

Associated symptoms

  • Ankle edema – water retention in the ankle area.
  • Pollakiuria – urge to urinate frequently without increased urination.
  • Polyuria (> 1.5-3 l/day) – increased urination.
  • Polydipsia (> 4 l / day) – increased thirst.
  • Possibly also daytime fatigue and lack of concentration

Warning signs (red flags)

  • Anamnestic information:
    • Older, single persons → thinking of: Alcohol problems (male to female ratio = 3: 1).
  • Ankle edema (water retention) → think of: Heart failure (cardiac insufficiency).
  • Global polyuria (excretion of > 40 ml/kg in 24 hrs) → think of: Diabetes mellitus