Does your child wet the bed?
Bedwetting, also called nocturnal enuresis, is common in young children but might require medical attention. In most cases, it resolves with time, but in some cases, it can continue beyond 6-7 years of age. The parents must make the child understand that it is not their fault. To understand the cause, the child needs to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment for bedwetting. You can visit our clinic in Mumbai for concerns related to bedwetting.
What is Bedwetting?
Bedwetting, also commonly known as ‘nocturnal enuresis’, is the involuntary release of urine while a person is sleeping. Bedwetting is regarded as a problem for children when they continue wetting the bed more than two times per week for 2-3 months in a row, even after the child has reached the age of 7. At this stage, seeking advice from a specialist for bedwetting becomes necessary. Speak to our child urology specialist for more details.
What are the Causes of Bedwetting In Children?
In most cases, bedwetting cannot be linked to a single psychological or medical condition. Instead, it often results from a combination of factors that affect bladder control and sleep patterns. Some of the common causes of bedwetting in children include:
- Family history
- Urinary infection
- Diabetes
- Sleep apnea
- Excessive production of urine from the kidneys due to ADH hormone deficiency
- Deep sleep in children, as they do not realise that their bladder is full
- Anxiety and stress
- Structural problems in the neurological system or urinary tract
- Chronic constipation
- Overactive bladder or small bladder
- Hyperactivity disorder or attention deficit
Identifying the underlying cause is essential for the proper diagnosis and treatment of bedwetting in children.
Diagnosis of Bedwetting
To diagnose bedwetting in children, a bedwetting specialist needs to check for:
- Physical examination
- Discussing symptoms, family history, intake of fluids, bladder and bowel habits, and issues related to bedwetting
- X-rays, along with other imaging tests of the bladder or kidney, to understand the urinary tract’s structure
- Urine tests for checking for signs of diabetes or infection
- Other types of urinary tract assessments
Children requiring advanced treatment need to be referred to centres specialising in bedwetting treatment for children. Schedule a consultation with Dr Gursev for more information.
Treatments of Bedwetting
After diagnosis, the next step involves the treatment of bedwetting. Here are some treatment options we suggest:
General Lifestyle Measures:
- Preventing rashes during urine leakage
- Encouraging regular use of the toilet throughout the day
- Encouraging double voiding before bedtime
- Avoiding beverages and foods with caffeine -particularly during the evening
- Limiting fluids in the evening
2. Setting Moisture Alarms
These are available as battery-operated devices that connect to a moisture-sensitive pad on the bedding or pyjamas of your child. Upon sensing wetness, the alarm tends to go off. This bedwetting treatment is useful when the focus is on long-term results.
Any clinic or hospital setting is vital to finding comprehensive treatment options. Dr Gursev practices across several locations in Dubai, Pune and Surat.
What Medications Will Help My Child’s Bedwetting Condition?
The choice of medication will depend on the complexity of the condition. Here are certain commonly prescribed medications:
- Medication to reduce nighttime production of Urine. DDAVP is a medication that helps to minimise the production of urine at night.
- Medication to calm your child’s bladder. If your kid has a smaller bladder, using an anticholinergic drug such as oxybutynin can help to minimise bladder contractions and improve bladder capacity.
A doctor can help you navigate relevant medication options without any side effects. Contact Dr Gursev to understand safe treatment options without any side effects for bedwetting in children.
