Bedwetting facts
What is bedwetting?
Bedwetting, also called nocturnal enuresis, is the involuntary passage of urine (urinary incontinence) while asleep. Inherent in the definition of bedwetting is satisfactory bladder control while the person is awake. Therefore, urination while awake is a different condition and has a variety of different causes than bedwetting.
What are the types of bedwetting?
There are two types of bedwetting:
What is primary bedwetting?
Primary bedwetting is viewed as a delay in maturation of the nervous system. At 5 years of age, approximately 16% of children wet the bed at least once a month. Males are twice as likely as females to wet the bed. By 6 years of age, only about 10% of children are bedwetters -- the large majority being boys. The percentage of all children who are bedwetters continues to diminish by 50% each year after 5 years of age. Family history plays a big role in predicting primary bedwetting. If one parent was a bedwetter, the offspring have a higher chance of a developing primary enuresis as well.
What is the basic problem in primary bedwetting?
The fundamental problem for children with primary bedwetting is the inability to recognize messages of the nervous system sent by the full bladder to the sleep arousal centers of the brain while asleep. In addition, bladder capacity is often smaller in bedwetting children than in their peers.
Is primary bedwetting due to emotional problems?
Parents sometimes believe that their child's primary bedwetting is emotional. No medical or scientific literature exists to support this impression.
How is primary bedwetting treated?
The "cure" for primary bedwetting is "tincture (or passage) of time." However, since many parents and children are frustrated with bedwetting as it starts to interfere with self-esteem or social events (for example, sleepovers), a patient step-by-step approach is best. Fortunately, it can be anticipated to have a successful outcome in a majority of such patients. You should always discuss treatment options with your child's physician, since it is important to differentiate between primary and secondary enuresis prior to starting specific treatments.
It is also important to remember that different children develop differently and that primary enuresis can be a normal developmental stage. Toilet training a child requires special patience. While most children are fully toilet trained by 3-4 years of age, many will not stay dry overnight, even though they can during the day. Reassurance and encouragement often will work in time, but for some children, there are steps that can be taken to address the issues.
Some common recommended management and treatment options include the following:
Learn more about: DDAVP
What is the basic problem in primary bedwetting?
The fundamental problem for children with primary bedwetting is the inability to recognize messages of the nervous system sent by the full bladder to the sleep arousal centers of the brain while asleep. In addition, bladder capacity is often smaller in bedwetting children than in their peers.
Is primary bedwetting due to emotional problems?
Parents sometimes believe that their child's primary bedwetting is emotional. No medical or scientific literature exists to support this impression.
How is primary bedwetting treated?
The "cure" for primary bedwetting is "tincture (or passage) of time." However, since many parents and children are frustrated with bedwetting as it starts to interfere with self-esteem or social events (for example, sleepovers), a patient step-by-step approach is best. Fortunately, it can be anticipated to have a successful outcome in a majority of such patients. You should always discuss treatment options with your child's physician, since it is important to differentiate between primary and secondary enuresis prior to starting specific treatments.
It is also important to remember that different children develop differently and that primary enuresis can be a normal developmental stage. Toilet training a child requires special patience. While most children are fully toilet trained by 3-4 years of age, many will not stay dry overnight, even though they can during the day. Reassurance and encouragement often will work in time, but for some children, there are steps that can be taken to address the issues.
Some common recommended management and treatment options include the following:
Learn more about: DDAVP
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
It is also important to remember that different children develop differently and that primary enuresis can be a normal developmental stage. Toilet training a child requires special patience. While most children are fully toilet trained by 3-4 years of age, many will not stay dry overnight, even though they can during the day. Reassurance and encouragement often will work in time, but for some children, there are steps that can be taken to address the issues.
Some common recommended management and treatment options include the following:
Source: http://www.rxlist.com
We respect your privacy and aim for the best website experience in compliance with local laws. Allowing cookies enables a tailored experience, while disabling them may reduce personalization. For more information, please read our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.