Research Article

Is Upper Airway Obstruction Associated With Primary Enuresis in Children? A Clinical Study

Volume: 9 Number: 2 August 5, 2026

Is Upper Airway Obstruction Associated With Primary Enuresis in Children? A Clinical Study

Abstract

Objective: Primary enuresis is a common childhood condition with multifactorial causes, including genetic, neurological, and hormonal factors. Recent evidence suggests a possible link between upper airway obstruction (UAO), especially from adenotonsillar hypertrophy, and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), with nocturnal enuresis. The underlying mechanisms may involve changes in sleep architecture, higher arousal thresholds, and hormonal imbalances, such as impaired antidiuretic hormone secretion. Our objective is to examine the link between upper airway obstruction and primary enuresis in children and to identify otolaryngologic predictors of enuresis severity. Methods A retrospective clinical study involved 50 children aged 5–12 years diagnosed with primary enuresis. All patients received ENT examinations, including assessment of tonsillar hypertrophy (Brodsky scale), adenoid size (endoscopic grading), and nasal obstruction. Sleep-related symptoms such as snoring and mouth breathing were documented. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and logistic regression. Results UAO was identified in 68% of patients. Significant associations were found between enuresis and adenotonsillar hypertrophy (p<0.001), habitual snoring (p=0.002), and mouth breathing (p=0.01). Logistic regression showed that adenotonsillar hypertrophy was the strongest predictor (OR 4.5, 95% CI 2.1–9.8). Conclusion Upper airway obstruction is significantly associated with primary enuresis in children. ENT evaluation should be considered in all enuretic patients.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

N/A

Project Number

N/A

Ethical Statement

The ethical committee approval was obtained from Eskisehir City Hospital on 17th of July 2024, with reference number ESH/BAEK 2024/42.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Otorhinolaryngology

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

August 5, 2026

Submission Date

June 17, 2026

Acceptance Date

June 19, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 2

APA
Aynacı, S., & Namıduru, D. (2026). Is Upper Airway Obstruction Associated With Primary Enuresis in Children? A Clinical Study. European Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, 9(2), 87-90. https://doi.org/10.65396/ejra.1972851
AMA
1.Aynacı S, Namıduru D. Is Upper Airway Obstruction Associated With Primary Enuresis in Children? A Clinical Study. Eur J Rhinol Allergy. 2026;9(2):87-90. doi:10.65396/ejra.1972851
Chicago
Aynacı, Sevilay, and Deniz Namıduru. 2026. “Is Upper Airway Obstruction Associated With Primary Enuresis in Children? A Clinical Study”. European Journal of Rhinology and Allergy 9 (2): 87-90. https://doi.org/10.65396/ejra.1972851.
EndNote
Aynacı S, Namıduru D (August 1, 2026) Is Upper Airway Obstruction Associated With Primary Enuresis in Children? A Clinical Study. European Journal of Rhinology and Allergy 9 2 87–90.
IEEE
[1]S. Aynacı and D. Namıduru, “Is Upper Airway Obstruction Associated With Primary Enuresis in Children? A Clinical Study”, Eur J Rhinol Allergy, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 87–90, Aug. 2026, doi: 10.65396/ejra.1972851.
ISNAD
Aynacı, Sevilay - Namıduru, Deniz. “Is Upper Airway Obstruction Associated With Primary Enuresis in Children? A Clinical Study”. European Journal of Rhinology and Allergy 9/2 (August 1, 2026): 87-90. https://doi.org/10.65396/ejra.1972851.
JAMA
1.Aynacı S, Namıduru D. Is Upper Airway Obstruction Associated With Primary Enuresis in Children? A Clinical Study. Eur J Rhinol Allergy. 2026;9:87–90.
MLA
Aynacı, Sevilay, and Deniz Namıduru. “Is Upper Airway Obstruction Associated With Primary Enuresis in Children? A Clinical Study”. European Journal of Rhinology and Allergy, vol. 9, no. 2, Aug. 2026, pp. 87-90, doi:10.65396/ejra.1972851.
Vancouver
1.Sevilay Aynacı, Deniz Namıduru. Is Upper Airway Obstruction Associated With Primary Enuresis in Children? A Clinical Study. Eur J Rhinol Allergy. 2026 Aug. 1;9(2):87-90. doi:10.65396/ejra.1972851

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