My child is bedwetting, can you help?
Bedwetting is when children are old enough to control their bladder, but urinate at night while asleep. Nocturnal enuresis is common in children under the age of 5 years, but may also occur in about 10% of children between 5 – 7 years.
Bedwetting can be stressful and embarrassing for parents as well as children.
What are the causes of bedwetting?
Bedwetting should not be attributed to laziness, although in a small number of cases, behavior may play a role. Parents should be patient and supportive with their children. There are a number of factors that may contribute to bedwetting:
- Small bladder
- Inability to recognize a full bladder
- Constipation
- Hormonal imbalance
- Childhood diabetes
- Urinary tract infection
- Structural problem in the urinary tract or nervous system
- Snoring and sleep apnea
What risk factors predispose your child to bedwetting?
- More common in boys
- Stress and anxiety
- Family history
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
What complications can occur due to bedwetting?
Although frustrating, bedwetting has no real consequences, unless there is a structural or medical cause. However, there are issues that you need to watch for:
- Guilt and embarrassment can lead to low-self-esteem.
- Fear of bedwetting may cause the child to avoid sleeping over at a friend's house, going to camp and other activities.
- Rashes on child's bottom and genital area, especially if the child sleeps in wet clothes.
What can you do to help your child from bedwetting?
- Bedwetting is not the child's fault, don't tease, scold or punish your child
- Avoid high sugar food, carbonated and caffeinated drinks
- Create a schedule for child's bathroom use (at least 5 times in a day, and just before bedtime)
- Reduce amount of fluids your child drinks 1-2 hours before bedtime
- Consider using training pants for your child at night, or during overnight trips out of home
- Water-proof sheets and room deodorizers will help protect mattress and improve smell
- After an incident, wash your child and use petroleum jelly to avoid skin irritation
- Note bedwetting pattern on a calendar to track your child's progress
- Child should have at least one bowel movement each day.
- Remember that bedwetting ends on its own for most children.
If your child continues to wet the bed after 7 years of age, consult a pediatrician
What questions will your doctor ask you?
- How often does this happen?
- Does the child have any other symptoms?
- Keep a bladder diary including the following information:
- How often the child urinates during the day and at night (with times)
- How often the child passes stool. How hard or soft it is.
- What the child drinks before bedtime.
What are the treatments available?
Behavioral therapies, medications and wetting alarms are available.
Make an appointment with Amara Hospital today to help your child.
My child is bedwetting, can you help?
Bedwetting is when children are old enough to control their bladder, but urinate at night while asleep. Nocturnal enuresis is common in children under the age of 5 years, but may also occur in about 10% of children between 5 – 7 years.
Bedwetting can be stressful and embarrassing for parents as well as children.
