Enuresis
EnuresisEnuresis is the medical term used to describe the involuntary discharge of urine
beyond the age when a child is old enough to be able to control urination (usually
considered to be six years of age for nighttime control), or more commonly, bedwetting.
There are several types of enuresis: diurnal enuresis is wetting that occurs during waking
hours, primary nocturnal enuresis is a lack of the achievement of total bladder control
during sleep, and secondary nocturnal enuresis is loss of bladder control that happens
after a child (or adult) has been dry a night for a long period of time (usually three to six
months). The facts, causes, and treatments of this disorder can help bring a greater
awareness and understanding of enuresis.
Nocturnal enuresis is a common problem. It is estimated that there are five to
seven million children in the United States who have NE. Many children have no lasting
problems from bed-wetting, however, some children who wet the bed can develop
psychological problems, including low self-esteem. This disorder also affects family
members through anger and frustration because of the condition.
One important reminder to parents with children who suffer from this condition is
that bed-wetting should not be thought of as a behavioral problem. There is no medical
proof to show that children wet the bed to spite their parents. Also, most children will
outgrow bed-wetting eventually. As parents, the best way to help your child is to be
understanding and remember that punishing or making fun of a child who wets the bed
can only make the situation worse.
Though as of yet a cause is unknown, some doctors believe that children who wet
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the bed might have small bladders or be such deep sleepers that the urge to urinate does
not wake them up. Of course, some research has proven that some children with NE
have normal-size bladders and have normal sleep patterns. What is known is that bed-
wetting is not a mental problem, a learning problem, or a behavioral problem. Though if
a child is punished in any way from the bed-wetting, psychological problems can arise.
Recent medical research, however, has found that many children with NE may have a
deficiency during sleep of an important hormone known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
ADH helps to concentrate urine during sleep hours--meaning that the urine contains less
water and is therefore of decreased volume. This decreased volume usually means that
their bladders do not overfill while they are asleep unless the child has had an excessive
quantity of fluids...
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