Enuresis (Bedwetting) – A Treatment that Works!

Bedwetting is a very common disorder among children. Bedwetting during the night, also known as nocturna lenuresis, is the term used for the involuntary release of urine during sleep. In the United States 5-7 million children wet the bed. The urinary system in children with bedwetting usually works just fine. It is important for children to understand bedwetting is not their fault and is commonly genetic in nature.

There are two types of bedwetting: primary and secondary enuresis. Primary enuresis includes those children who have never had a dry night for any significant length of time. Secondary enuresis means bedwetting that starts up after the child has had dry nights for at least 6 months.

The main causes of primary enuresis include one or a combination of the following:

• Bladder functionally unable to hold amount of urine produced
• High urine production during nighttime
• Disorder of sleep arousal
• Food habits and sensitivities
• Constipation
• Poor daytime toilet habits – children habitually ignoring the urge to urinate
• Other factors – medications, school schedules, urinary problems, genetics, etc.

Secondary enuresis typically is caused by an underlying medical or emotional problem including:

• Urinary tract infection
• Diabetes
• Anatomic or structural abnormality
• Neurological injury or disease
• Emotional issues

Children develop bladder control at different ages as they grow older and their bodies and brains mature. Most children no longer urinate in their sleep by age 6. Children with bedwetting may have lower self-esteem and confidence. It is important to treat nocturnal enuresis to help them get over this problem.Children can suffer many psychosocial issues if this problem is ignored. Parents also need to be supportive and reassure their child that bedwetting is a common problem that can be cured.

Treatment approaches include a variety of behavioral changes, medications and alarm devices. Since each child responds differently to the various treatments, we offer an individualized treatment program. First, underlying medical conditions should be ruled out or treated. A combination of bedwetting alarms and DDAVP medication offers the most effective method for achieving nighttime dryness.

It is important to know that the child who wets the bed cannot control it and is not doing it on purpose. Parents should not punish their child for wetting the bed. Our success rate in treating this problem is over 98%. We welcome you to visit our website to get more information.