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.
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