Bedwetting is involuntary urination during the night or loss of bladder control during the night. The
medical term for bedwetting is Nocturnal (night time) enuresis.
Nocturnal Enuresis is common for more than 5 million children in the US. It is slightly more common in
boys than girls.
TYPES OF BEDWETTING {ENURESIS}
Primary nocturnal enuresis: This describes children who never achieved dry nights since potty training
(typically these children have no accidents during the day time).
Secondary nocturnal enuresis: This is when a child achieved consistent dry nights for at least six months,
but started bedwetting again. Mostly this type of bedwetting is related to a stressful event e.g., birth of a
sibling, parent’s divorce etc. Eating disorders and some medicines can also cause secondary bedwetting.
Doctors think it is usually caused by a delay in the maturation of the mechanisms controlling the bladder.
Other causes include:
Psychological stress or trauma.
Hereditary- family history (genetics) Underlying disease Sleep
disorders.
SOLUTIONS TO BEDWETTING
BED ALARM: This takes commitment from parents and children. Par-adventure, the alarm was unable to
wake the child at the beginning of the treatment, the parents would have to wake the child up until the
child gets used to the alarm.
ENCOURAGEMENT: Encouragement from the parents who wet the bed as children. They should tell their
kids at what age they became dry. Make them understand it is a matter of time- they will definitely
overcome the problem.
FLUID RESTRICTION: Limiting fluids at night is widely suggested but can be difficult to do. Restricting
fluids works better when it is the child’s idea after discussion with the child. The child can view it as
punishment if not discussed and it might not yield the expected result.
REWARDS FOR DRY NIGHT: This Involves giving the child a small toy, game or a trip to some places
after a dry night or any kind of reward pleasant to the child. Congratulate the child, make the child feel
fulfilled.
WAKE UP AFTER INTERVALS: This involves making sure the child goes to the restroom right before
bedtime, then wake the child up after intervals. It can be after two – three hours to urinate
BLADDER TRAINING: Help the child to delay urination during the day. This entails asking the child to
inform you whenever the child wants to urinate, then ask the child to hold it for another few minutes.
Start with about three-five minutes then add a couple of minutes each time, the goal is to get 45 minutes.
Note: Doctors warn that holding urine for a long time can damage the kidney.
URINARY BED ALARMS: This is regarded as the most effective. Alarms are in different styles:
Moisture Sensor and an alarm, the moisture sensor is worn on the underwear or pajamas, attached to an
alarm worn on the shirt. The censor detects moisture almost immediately and sounds the alarm, alerting
the child to get up and go to the restroom.
BEDWETTING PRODUCTS THAT CAN BE USED BEFORE THE EXPECTED RESULT IS ACHIEVED
1 Plastic sheets and disposable underwear can save mattresses.
2 Super absorbent training parts designed for use at night can help when the child is 4-6 years
BEDWETTING TREATMENT
MEDICATION: This works while the child is taking them, but once they are stopped the bedwetting
typically starts again.
Note: Medicines can have side effects.
DESMOPRESSIN (DDAVP): This is a synthetic copy of a body chemical that controls urine production
given at bedtime. It is available in tablets and nasal spray forms, but the nasal spray is no longer indicated
for primary bedwetting, FDA in late 2007 issued an alert. The agency cited the risks of the nasal spray
causing low blood sodium levels. This DDAVP can be used to help a child stay dry on a sleepover or at a
camp.
IMIPRAMINE (TOFRANIL): an anti-depressant that reduces urine production and affects the amount of
time a child can hold urine in the bladder or other ways. They are not recommended for children younger
than 5 years old.
Note: According to American Academy of pediatrics medications are usually last resort.
Above all, getting your pediatrician’s advice will speed up the process and results achieved in less time
BEDWETTING MISCONCEPTION
Bedwetting is not due to:
Laziness
Spite
Spiritual problems
Watch this movie Adaife to have more knowledge.
Mrs. Ezuka Peace
(Vice Principal).