What is bedwetting?

Bedwetting (or nocturnal enuresis as it is called medically) is said to be present when a child wets the bed persistently at an age when they would be expected to be dry. This age is important because as they get older, the majority of children will become dry, and it is not normal to treat a child for bedwetting until they are 5 years old.

Is its common problem?

Yes at the age of 41/2-5 years, more than 1 in 10 children still wet the bed. This becomes 1 in 20 by the age of 10 years and even in adulthood 1 person in 100 still suffers from this problem.

How does bedwetting occur?

Until recently a single cause for bedwetting had not been identified. Many factors have been associated with it; for example, stress in the family, a family history of bedwetting, deep sleep, and many other environmental or even psychological problems. However, no single study of the problem has shown that any of these factors actually cause bedwetting.

Recent medical studies, however, have shown that there is a scientific cause for most cases of bedwetting and that it can be treated medically.

Can bedwetting be stopped?

Yes - in many cases it will resolve itself, for example at the ages of 5 years - when 10 out of every 100 children suffer from bedwetting - and 10 years, over half of these children will have become dry; by the time they have reached their teens, nearly all of them will be dry.

However, some cases will require treatment. Your Doctor or Nurse will advise on this, but since the child cannot fully understand some of the treatment until they are 5 years old, it is not normal for any treatment to be commenced until that age. Between the ages of 5 and 7 it is normal to try encouragement. This is often in the form of small rewards for a dry night. The so- called 'star chart' is useful in many cases.

At the age of 7, if the child is still wetting the bed, it is common practice to begin the use of the alarm or buzzer method. This is a small mechanical device which sounds a buzzer or bell as soon as the child begins to wet the bed, hence awakening them so that they are aware of what is happening. If your Doctor decides that it may be better to treat your child with medicines, then he will explain how this works based on the new scientific evidence.

Is there anything physically wrong with my child?

It is extremely rare that a physical cause is present in cases of bedwetting. However, it is important that you talk to your Doctor so that he can do a few simple tests with the urine to eliminate any possible problem such as infection, which can be simply treated.

What can I do to help my child?

Once the method of treatment has been decided upon, you should support your child fully to ensure the success of that treatment.

Remember. bedwetting is neither your child's fault nor your fault. Patience, love and encouragement will go a long way to resolving the problem for everyone in the family.