Bed-Wetting in Children

Bed-wetting in children, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is common among children under 8. According to Vincent Iannelli, M.D., F.A.A.P., bed-wetting is more common in boys and may be genetic.

• Bed-wetting is common in young children.

Causes

• Bed-wetting is rarely the result of an underlying disease or problem---it's more often due to small bladder capacity, stress or not being able to tell when the bladder is full.

Treatment

• Focus on prevention by limiting fluid intake to no sooner than two hours before bedtime, and encourage your child to use the restroom before bed. Use a sensory bed-wetting alarm for persistent problems; according to Iannelli, they work for 70 percent of older bed-wetters within a few months of use.

Considerations

• Medications can be prescribed when prevention methods don't work. They may also be beneficial for special occasions---such as sleepovers or camping trips---where bed-wetting can be embarrassing and stressful for the child.

Misconceptions

• According to Iannelli, bed-wetting takes time to resolve, and he urges parents not to punish or tease children for wetting the bed.

Warning

• Contact your pediatrician immediately if your child's bed-wetting is accompanied by weight loss, blood in the urine, or a burning sensation, occurs during the day or is affecting your child's self-esteem.