What is severe bed wetting?

Severe bed wetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is a condition in which a person over the age of 5 wets their bed at night. It is considered severe when it occurs at least twice per week for at least three consecutive months.

Severe bed wetting can be a distressing condition for both children and their families. It can lead to feelings of embarrassment, low self-esteem, and social isolation. In some cases, severe bed wetting can also be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

There are many possible causes of severe bed wetting, including:

* Genetic factors: Bed wetting is often inherited. If you have a parent or sibling who wet the bed, you are more likely to wet the bed yourself.

* Small bladder: Some children have smaller bladders than others, which can make it difficult for them to hold their urine all night.

* Overactive bladder: An overactive bladder can cause the bladder to contract more often than it should, leading to bed wetting.

* Constipation: Constipation can put pressure on the bladder, which can lead to bed wetting.

* Urinary tract infection: A urinary tract infection can cause the bladder to become irritated and inflamed, leading to bed wetting.

* Diabetes: Diabetes can cause the body to produce large amounts of urine, which can lead to bed wetting.

* Neurological disorders: Some neurological disorders, such as spina bifida and cerebral palsy, can affect the bladder's ability to function properly, leading to bed wetting.

If you or your child are experiencing severe bed wetting, it is important to see a doctor to determine the cause and get the appropriate treatment. There are a number of treatments available for severe bed wetting, including:

* Behavior modification: Behavior modification techniques, such as bladder training and bedwetting alarms, can help children learn to control their bladder and stop bed wetting.

* Medication: Medications, such as desmopressin and oxybutynin, can help reduce the production of urine or relax the bladder, which can help prevent bed wetting.

* Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct an underlying medical condition that is causing bed wetting.

With the proper treatment, most children with severe bed wetting can eventually learn to control their bladder and stop bed wetting.