Bedwetting (Enuresis)

Nocturnal enuresis is the medical term for bedwetting, or the passing of urine during sleep. Approximately 5 to 7 million children involuntarily wet their beds while sleeping. Most children outgrow bedwetting as their brains and bodies mature.

Types

• According to eMedicine Health, primary bedwetting is a condition in which a child has had continuous nighttime accidents since early childhood without any significant breaks. Secondary bedwetting is a condition in which the child has been dry for longer than six months and then resumes bedwetting.

Considerations

• Many parents worry that primary bedwetting occurs because their child has emotional problems. According to Medicine Net, scientific literature does not support this theory. Most researchers believe that primary bedwetting occurs because the nerves that control the bladder are not fully mature. In addition, many children who wet the bed have smaller bladders than other children. Bladder or urinary tract infections, hormone imbalances, diabetes and a number of other conditions cause secondary bedwetting.

Prevention/Solution

• Seek medical help if the child continues having accidents after five years of age. Medicines such as imipramine effectively treat nighttime urination. Bedwetting alarms, which are devices that sense urine, awaken children so that they can use the restroom. Contact a physician if the child has painful urination or pink urine or if the child develops secondary bedwetting.