Bedwetting in children is one of the most common problems that causes concern for parents, especially if it persists after a certain age.
Although it often does not indicate a serious illness, it requires follow-up and psychological support for the child.
What is bedwetting in children?
Bedwetting is a condition in which a child loses bladder control while asleep or awake after the age at which urination control is expected.
Types of bedwetting
This condition is divided into several main types:
Nocturnal bedwetting: This is the most common and occurs during sleep.
Daytime bedwetting: Occurs while awake during daylight hours.
Primary bedwetting: When urination persists from birth without a period of control.
Secondary bedwetting: Occurs after a period of good urination control.
Causes of bedwetting in children
The causes vary between physical, psychological, and behavioral factors, including:
- Slow development of bladder control.
- Deep sleep and failure to wake up when the need to urinate.
- Genetic causes.
- Urinary tract infections or bladder problems.
- Stress or psychological anxiety.
Symptoms of Bedwetting
Usually, the primary symptom is bedwetting, which may be accompanied by:
- Difficulty waking up at night.
- Frequent daytime urination.
- Chronic constipation.
- Anxiety or social shyness.
Complications of Bedwetting
It may not be medically serious, but it has psychological and social effects, including:
- Loss of self-confidence.
- Embarrassment in front of friends or siblings.
- Sleep problems due to anxiety.
Diagnosis of Bedwetting in Children
Diagnosis is based on taking the child's medical history and conducting some necessary tests, as follows:
- Discussing symptoms with the parents.
- Urine testing to ensure there are no infections.
- Additional bladder or kidney tests.
Methods of Treating Bedwetting
Treatment methods vary between behavioral and medical methods, including:
- Training the child to go to the bathroom regularly.
- Reducing fluid intake before bedtime.
- Urine alarms to help wake up.
- Medications in severe cases and under the supervision of a doctor.
- Psychological support and encouragement for the child rather than punishment.
Medications to treat bedwetting in children
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe medications, such as:
- Desmopressin to reduce urine production at night.
- Imipramine to control the bladder.
- Oxybutynin to calm an overactive bladder.
Caution: All medications should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Home Treatment and Practical Advice for Parents
Parents can help their child overcome bedwetting with simple steps at home, such as:
- Encouraging the child to use the bathroom immediately before bedtime.
- Reducing water and beverage consumption at least two hours before bedtime.
- Use a schedule to track dry days and reward the child for them.
- Do not punish or scold the child, but rather support and encourage them continuously.
- Waking the child up once or twice during the night to go to the bathroom.
Preventing Bedwetting
The chances of the problem occurring can be reduced with a few simple steps, such as:
- Teaching your child healthy urination habits.
- Regulating fluid intake schedules.
- Monitoring the child's psychological state.
- See a doctor if the problem persists for a long time.
At what age is bedwetting considered a problem?
Usually after the age of 5 if it persists frequently.
Is bedwetting hereditary?
Yes, if one of the parents suffered from it as a child, the child's risk of developing it increases.
Does bedwetting go away with time?
In most cases, it gradually improves with age, especially with appropriate support.
Summary of the causes of bedwetting in children and how to treat it
Bedwetting in children is a common and often temporary condition, but it can cause anxiety for the family and the child.
Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and psychological support from the parents help the child overcome the problem with confidence and reassurance.