Pediatricians Explain Bedwetting

Bedwetting, technically known as Enuresis is a medical condition where urine passes unintentionally, mostly at night. Primarily, there are two types of nocturnal enuresis; first, where child hasn’t developed complete nighttime bladder control and secondly, when a child suffers bedwetting after continuously running dry for 6 months or more.

We often see children wetting their bed up to the age of five. Being parents, one should make sure that their child is under no pressure till him /her reaching the age of six. Remember, children do not wet the bed purposely.

Pediatricians have come up with some stats which reveal the true story about bedwetting. 15-20% of kids under six years wet the bed and is ubiquitous in boys. The figure significantly comes down to 2-3% for children up to 14 years and 1% for 15 years and above.

Why Children Do It?

There have been no reasons found yet why children wet the bed. However, pediatricians have sighted that genes may play a role in such a condition. Studies show that approximately ¾ of children who wet their bed has a brother, sister or a parent who experienced the same problem before. This is as close as one gets to knowing the reason behind this.

Another explanation could be that these children who sleep heavily and don’t wake up even when their bladder is full. In addition, some children develop bladder control later in their life as compared to others.

What Can Be Done In Terms Of Preventing The Problem?

A bedwetting alarm has proven to be effective when it comes to curing the condition. It vibrates or rings when the child wets the bed. Round about 70% of known cases are believed to be cured with this advanced technique.

The alarm works exceptionally well making your child wake up as soon as the first drop or urine hits the inner-wear. Your child is thus made aware that he is about to urinate.

There are different kinds of alarms available in the market. A pediatrician can help you buy the right one. Moreover, it works best when used for five months being used for minimum of three months.

Pediatricians also suggest not making bedwetting a big issue in the family as children can get easily embarrassed. Also don’t scold your child on wetting the bed. This could make things worse.

Under What Circumstances The Child Should Be Taken To A Pediatrician?

• If the child is above 6 years and still wets the bed.
• If the child doesn’t has a history of bedwetting but suddenly starts doing it.
• If the child wets herself/himself during the day.
• If the child unusually urinates in both daytime and nighttime.
• If the child is suffering from constipation and defecates in pants.

What Will The Pediatrician Do?

The doctor will ask multiple questions ranging from the time the child learnt to go to toilet to anyone else in the family who suffered from the same condition. He will take urine sample, just to check the presence of any kind of bacterial infection or cysts.

Piyush Singh works in a reputed bank as an Assistant Manager. In his free time, he browses through different health magazines and writes exclusively for some as well.