Nocturnal Enuresis

Nocturnal Enuresis Primary Nocturnal Enuresis – Child Bedwetting Primary nocturnal enuresis, also referred to as child bedwetting, can be frustrating for both the child and parent. Nocturnal enuresis can affect children of all ages, including adolescents, and approximately 15% of children wet the bed after the age of three. Child bedwetting, although not gender specific, affects more boys than girls. Child Bedwetting Causes Child bedwetting is rarely a sign of a serious bladder or kidney problem. Some common bedwetting causes include: Slower than average bladder control development (the most common cause) Emotional factors such as stress or insecurities Genetics – if both parents were bedwetters, chances are their children will be, too Treatment for Nocturnal Enuresis If you are looking for help for primary nocturnal enuresis, there are many solutions and bedwetting products available. These include: Moisture alarms – This bedwetting product is a behavioral conditioning device that attaches to the outside of the child's bed clothing. When the child wets the bed, the alarm senses the moisture and wakes the child up. The child can then go the bathroom. With repeated use, the alarm helps condition the child's body–bladder connection. Hypnosis – There are several hypnosis tapes on the market that help reprogram the child's brain to respond to a full bladder while sleeping. Bedwetting diapers – These can be helpful for younger children (less than age 7). However, as a child gets older, many experts believe that bedwetting diapers tend to hide the problem rather than solve it. Medications – Imipramine and Desmopressin are two common medications used in child bedwetting treatment. Imipramine is an anti-depressant and has been shown to improve sleep patterns and improve the functioning of the bladder muscles. Desmopressin is administered as a nasal spray and can help the body produce less urine. Both of these medications have side effects so it is important to discuss these options with your doctor and weigh the pros and cons. In addition to the above, there are several behavioral /lifestyle changes you can try: Wake your child to urinate at night Limit fluids before bedtime Help your child train his or her bladder by having them practice holding their urine for increasingly longer times each day. This helps stretch the bladder so it can hold more urine. A Final Word on Nocturnal Enuresis It is important to remember that yelling and making a child feel ashamed or bad about bedwetting does not work. It can worsen the problem and create additional emotional issues. The child is not wetting the bed on purpose. What does work is positive reinforcement and building a child's confidence. Even without formal treatment, bedwetting usually stops by puberty. If you are concerned about your child's bedwetting, consult your pediatrician. Disclaimer: These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult your physician regarding any sleeping disorders.