What causes bedwetting?
The most common reason for enuresis in children is deep sleeping. Even though the bladder is full, the child doesn’t get up to urinate.Having a small bladder is another reason bedwetting occurs. Also, some children simply produce a lot more urine during the night.
Is bedwetting hereditary?
Several studies show that bedwetting runs in the family. More specifically, if a parent wet the bed when they were young, there’s a 25% chance their children will have the same issue. If both parents were diagnosed with enuresis, there is a 65% chance their children will also inherit the condition.
When to worry?
If your child is under 6 and has been regularly wetting the bed, chances are there is no need to worry and the condition will go away without any intervention on your part. Statistics show that most children will outgrow bedwetting by the time they are 6.However, if your child is 6 years or older, or if he/she used to be dry during the nights but all of a sudden they start wetting the bed, you may consider going to a paediatrician.
Wetting the bed usually becomes a problem at age 8 and up when you child may experience lower self-esteem because of the condition they are having. Also, pay close attention to any changes is behaviour for certain activities such as camping or sleepover. If your child is not comfortable in this type of social situations, speak to your doctor.
How to treat bedwetting?
A bedwetting alarm is probably the best way to go, since it cures the problem and not the symptoms. However, a bedwetting alarm is not for everybody, since it requires patience on both parts, the parents and the children. However, if you do decide the use an alarm, make sure you speak to your doctor or start researching your options by yourself. You can get a good head start here. From what I've read, the DryBuddyFlex seems like a good option.
The second way you can treat bedwetting is by using medication. Please note that using drugs will only provide temporary relief and will not fix the actual bedwetting problem. As soon as you child stops taking their medication, the bedwetting will return. However, if you’re looking for a fast way of temporarily keeping your child dry during the night, take into consideration DDAVP. This drug has been around since 1970, it works fairly well in preventing bedwetting from occurring and it also has very little side effects. It’s important to speak to your doctor before giving DDAVP to your child.
Other things you can do
One of the most important things you can do to prevent bedwetting it to limit liquid intake before bed. Make sure you child doesn’t drink a lot of water before going to sleep. Also, avoid drinks that irritate the bladder, such as juices.
Other Resources:
http://www.drgreene.com/qa-articles/bedwetting-alarms/
