Bed Wetting
Date :
Monday, July 25 2011
Source:
Autourina Mains
If you know a child that has the problem of bedwetting, you know that the child is very embarrassed of his condition. Often times the parents blame themselves for their child’s problem and feel just as bad as their child. Enuresis (medical term for bedwetting) can cause psychological and emotional problems for the child and the family, but parents need to understand that their child’s problem is not their fault. Bedwetting is a medical condition much like other medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes.
Causes of bedwetting is not really known, however there are medical conditions that can be the source of it. A medical exam by your doctor can determine if the child has medical conditions such as sickle cell disease, sleep apnea, urinary tract infection, neurological problems, genetic (inherited from parents), constipation, emotional stress and diabetes. Most common reason for bedwetting may be that the neurological communication between the bladder muscle and the brain has not developed. When we are sleeping, our bladder sends messages to the brain to let it know that it’s full. The brain then sends signals to awaken us to empty our bladder. For the child with bedwetting problem, this communication is not happening as it should.
Most children outgrow bedwetting by the time they are ten years old, although there are 5% of ten year olds who suffer from bedwetting. Bedwetting is a serious issue for the child and should be treated kindly and gently. Keep in mind that the child is feeling inadequate and perhaps socially isolated. Take time to visit with the child about this medical condition and help him/her understand that this is a medical condition that can be treated. There are many options to help with bedwetting:
• Try decreasing the amount of fluids before bedtime
• Lifting up or night time waking: wake up the child a few hours after falling asleep to go to the bathroom (thought this is controversial)
• Bladder therapy
• Enuresis alarm (an alarm that attaches to the wrist and the pajamas and at the first sign of wetness, it alarms and wakes the child)
• Psychotherapy (if the child has experienced trauma)
• Medicinal treatment such as nose sprays
Bedwetting causes a lot of sleepless nights for the child and the parents. It is helpful if you keep dry sheets and pajamas by the bed, cover the mattress with plastic mattress pad, and or have the child wear diapers at night. Always consult your pediatrician and take precautions to never make diagnosis. Typically if a child wets his/her bed more than 3 times a night, then it is considered to be a medical condition. Most children will outgrow but 2% of teenagers still struggle with this condition. The important thing is to realize it is a medical condition and treat the child with kindness, compassion and understanding.