Bedwetting Treatments

There are several ways to treat enuresis. Your child can help with the decision as to what approach would be best. Some things that did not work before, may work when repeated again later. The most common form of treatment is time. Most children will eventually outgrow enuresis. You may of course have false expectations about your child’s bladder, and may be expecting your child to have control over his bladder way too early. Yes it would be wonderful to be done with the nappies and the wet beds – but sometimes you just have to be patient.

Children under 7 may not see any need to do anything yet - most children grow out of wetting the bed, and you may be better to manage the wetting in the meantime. For example, enable your child to take care of a wet bed in the night himself and reward him for helping with a sticker chart. Using a Brolly Sheet or mattress protector would be useful in this situation.

Alarms that awaken a sleeping child if wet are a good long-term treatment. Eventually the alarm trains the child to wake up before urination occurs. Alarms have a 70% success rate and work better with professional support and if children are willing to participate.

The doctor may give your child medicine for overnight stays and school camps. The medicine does not cure bedwetting and is used generally if there are medical problems and it is warranted.

Treatment of constipation will stop bedwetting in some children. Encourage the drinking of fluids (especially water) during the day and a fibre enriched diet, with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Waking up the child to go to the bathroom during the night can help, but watch that your child does not miss too much sleep.

Your child may be referred to a paediatrician (child health specialist) or urologist (a doctor specially trained in conditions of the bladder and urinary system)
A behaviour modification program may be given.
If a psychological problem is suspected, the child may be referred for help in this area.
Do not stress your child about bedwetting. If you are worried about it then your child will no doubt be even more worried and stressed then you are about it.
Show empathy and understanding and always give praise and encouragement. Even for small achievements and progress; i.e. your child remembered to go to the toilet before bed, or had a dry night.
Remember!

1. Bedwetting happens during sleep.
2. Children can't decide not to do it.
3. Be patient.
4. Most children grow out of it.