WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Bedwetting---urination while asleep---is known medically
as nocturnal enuresis (en-yoor-EE-sis). It's fairly common
among young children. Roughly 30 percent have the problem at
age 4, 10 percent at age 6, and 3 percent at age 12. It's more
likely among boys than girls, and usually clears up as the
youngster gets older.
Causes
Bedwetting seems to run in families. It usually reflects
nothing more than a temporary delay in the growing-up process.
However, in rare cases, it may be due to diabetes, epilepsy,
kidney problems, an abnormally small bladder, a tumor, or a
nerve disorder. An emotional problem may be at fault,
especially if bedwetting starts again after successful toilet
training. Occasionally the culprit is a bladder
infection.
Care
Given time, the problem usually goes away on its own. For
stubborn cases, the doctor may order a urine test and x-rays of
the urinary tract. A device called an enuresis alarm is the
most effective treatment, and medication can be prescribed if
all else fails. However, for most children, the measures listed
below will eventually cure the problem.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
-
Do
not limit the amount of liquid your child drinks
during the day. Normal fluid intake gives the youngster
practice in bladder control. It also helps stretch the
bladder if it is small.
-
Limit the amount of liquid
the child drinks after the evening meal.
-
Encourage the child to
urinate before going to bed.
-
Before you go to bed
yourself, awaken the child for urination if he is 6 years
or older. Have the youngster walk to the toilet; do not
carry him from the bed to the toilet. The child should be
awake and aware that he is going to urinate.
-
Do not complain about washing
sheets or clothes that are soiled because of bedwetting.
Stress that bedwetting is not the child's
fault.
-
Protect the child's mattress
with plastic or a plastic mattress cover. Do not force the
youngster to wear diapers or plastic pants. This could make
him feel like a baby.
-
Encourage the youngster to
help in the clean-up. Put a towel and a pair of underpants
by the bed. If the child awakens and finds himself wet, he
can change clothes, put the towel on the wet spot, and
return to bed without waking anyone up.
-
Leave a night light on in the
bathroom. Keep the path to the bathroom free of clutter so
the child will not fall.
-
After a dry night, give the
child praise and hugs. You may also want to put a star on a
calendar.
-
Reassure the child that the
problem will not last forever. Share stories about any
family members once troubled by bedwetting.
Return to top
|
Email this page
Printer friendly
Bookmark this page
