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Breathing problems may be the cause of childhood bedwetting
and possibly incontinence in adults. Researchers found that
eight out of 10 children with bedwetting problems also have
a narrow palate, which can cause the tongue to partially block
the airway during sleep.
A simple orthodontic device, a brace used to widen the palate,
may be effective in stopping bedwetting by widening the palate.
Researchers are uncertain why breathing problems are linked
to bedwetting, but suggest that they may create a pressure
in the abdomen that stimulates urination.
Another idea is that the breathing problems lead to low blood
oxygen concentrations, which could affect levels of hormones
involved in urine production.
BBC
News July 31, 2003
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