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Bedwetting
Usually
occurring in children under the age of 6 years who are having difficulties controlling
their bladders at night.
What to look for
It is not abnormal for
young children to wet the bed at night - even when they have learnt to use the toilet
during the day. However there may be a need to be concerned if -
The most important thing to
remember about bedwetting is that it is not a wilful act. Do not whatever you do, become
angry or make the child feel guilty or ashamed as this will make the problem worse.
Don't be unduly concerned
about bedwetting unless your child is older than six. Before then, your child's body may
not have developed enough to control bladder actions at night. Time usually heals the
problem: Most children resolve any difficulties on their own by the age of seven.
Causes
It is not fully understood
why bedwetting occurs. It is thought be a stage whereby the child has not fully developed
his or her bladder control mechanisms fully for use at night. Very rarely is it an
infection, however, if you are concerned it is a wise idea to take your child to a doctor
for a check up.
The child may be consuming
too much fluid before going to bed which could exacerbate the problem.
Any new, stressful
situation may cause a child to revert to bedwetting, as can being overtired or sick. Once
your child adjusts to the situation, the problem should resolve itself. If your child does
not improve, the treatments listed here may help. In addition, you may want your child to
talk through his/her fears.
Traditional Treatments
It is wise to go to a
doctor who may perform numerous tests to ensure the problem is only minor and is not
disease-related.
There are three primary
ways to treat bedwetting in an otherwise healthy child…
Waiting for spontaneous
resolution,
Employing behavioural
conditioning, and
Undertaking drug therapy.
Waiting, though often the
preferred course, may make your child anxious. However, if he/she is old enough to benefit
from counselling, this may be of benefit to him/her and the whole family.
Using a device with a
sensor that detects wetness and sets off an alarm has proved very effective. The child
begins associating bladder distension with being awakened and in time "learns"
to awaken before losing control.
Drug therapy is considered
less effective because most children relapse after stopping medication. It has its place,
however. For short-term help when your child sleeps at a friend's.
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