How to Manage Bedwetting in Older Children and Teenagers
Seek information on the condition., Identify possible causes., See your family physician., Discuss medication with your doctor., Try a bedwetting alarm., Use a waterproof mattress cover., Keep extra clothes and sheets nearby., Have your child manage...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Seek information on the condition.
Bedwetting can be divided into primary or secondary enuresis.
Someone with primary enuresis has wet the bed since she was an infant, and has never had urinary continence for more than six months.
Secondary enuresis occurs after at least six months of urinary continence.Nocturnal enuresis is three times more common than daytime wetting and affects
2.8 percent of older children.
It occurs three times more often in boys.
Secondary causes account for less than 25 percent of cases.Some young adults who have daytime bladder issues, including an overactive bladder, may also experience nocturnal enuresis. -
Step 2: Identify possible causes.
If a child has parents who experienced nighttime incontinence, they have a 40–77% chance of having bedwetting problems also.
Other risk factors include delayed physical maturation, constipation, overactive bladder, small bladder capacity, problems with certain hormones (including antidiuretic hormone), as well as social and emotional stress.
Events involving emotional distress such as a move to a new house or school, or other major life event, may trigger bedwetting.Sexual abuse can also cause the onset of secondary enuresis.If you suspect your child is a victim, seek expert help with your physician or through a sexual abuse and assault resource agency right away.Keep a calendar.
Keeping track of wet and dry nights may help identify patterns. , Certain medical conditions can cause bedwetting, including urinary tract infections, sleep disorders, hormonal conditions, issues with nerves that supply the bladder, and diabetes.
These require a diagnosis from a physician.The physician will discuss with you your child or teen’s hydration history, daytime urine voiding patterns, sleep history, number and episode history of bedwetting incidents, as well as behavior and emotional status.The examination may also include a urinalysis and urine culture to rule out infections.
In some cases, x-rays or other tests may be ordered.
Most children and young adults with enuresis have normal urine tests.Have your physician reassess your child after the initial diagnosis to monitor progress and fine-tune any recommended treatments., Imipramine, desmopressin, and oxybutynin are three medications that are used to treat nocturnal enuresis in children and young adults.Antibiotics will be used to treat any urinary tract infections.
Imipramine is classified as an antidepressant and carries with it some risk for suicide, as well as serious physical side effects.Discuss these with your physician.
Desmopressin is a drug used to control the amount of urine made in the kidneys, and can reduce the number of bedwetting episodes.It is effective in approximately 40 to 60 percent of children.Oxybutynin reduces bladder muscle spasms and is available in several forms, including a topical patch., Considered to be a safe and highly effective form of behavioral conditioning, a bedwetting alarm consists of a special sensor for wetness placed in the child’s pajamas or on the mattress of the bed that triggers a vibration or sound, waking the child.Bedwetting alarms can range in cost from $50 to $150.
While insurance usually does not cover the cost, flexible spending account funds can be used to purchase the alarm.Consider cost, durability, reliability and ease of set-up when purchasing an alarm.Most physicians recommend a vibratory alarm over a sound device since it is more effective at waking up children who are sound sleepers., This can help reduce mattress damage and reduce the amount of laundry after a bedwetting incident.
Place towels or other absorbent material between the waterproof cover and the bottom sheet Use a blanket that can go straight into the washing machine and dries quickly.
If necessary, make up a spare bed or couch ahead of time to encourage your child to go back to sleep quickly after a bedwetting event. , Having clean pajamas, and bedding in your child’s room can help with quick and easy changes during the night. , Some children may benefit from feeling like they can take charge of the situation.
This includes stripping and remaking the bed, and operating the washing machine. , Make sure your child drinks enough liquids during the day, so he does not feel dehydrated before bedtime.
Your child or teen should avoid tea, soda, coffee, or energy drinks that contain caffeine, which acts as a diuretic.
Limit liquids before bedtime.There is some evidence that food allergies may increase bedwetting, so be sure to discuss your child’s reactions to food with your doctor.
Have your child eat less salt.
Salt can cause the body to retain more fluids, so steer him clear of salty snacks like chips., Sleeping away from home can be a source of anxiety for children and teens suffering from nocturnal enuresis.
Make sure your child knows to go to the bathroom before bedtime.
Emptying the bladder completely may help reduce the risk of wetting the bed during sleep.
Provide your child with absorbent, disposable underwear.
There are discreet and effective products on the market for helping older children and teenagers manage bedwettings.Send your child with an extra set of clothes, as well as a waterproof storage bag for wet clothes.
Discuss the issue with the other adults involved.
Making them aware can make a bedwetting incident less traumatic for the child.
Talk to your child's doctor about medication.
Having a child take antidiuretics for the short time she is away from home may help., He may suffer from shame and embarrassment.
Remind him that it is not his fault, and maintain a low-key attitude after accidents.Parental punishment for bedwetting at any age is inappropriate.
It is strongly associated with childhood depression and reduced quality of life., There are a number of online resources to help manage bedwetting.These can be an important component of dealing with the psychological effects of bedwetting and can complement more formal care.Some sites include message boards, which may be especially helpful for teenagers seeking reassurance. , Bedwetting can be a source of major anxiety and distress and the incidence of depression, sadness, and social fear is higher in children who regularly wet the bed.Regular therapy can help your child and your family manage these symptoms.The therapist may help your child with behavioral modifications including positive reinforcement systems, awakening programs, or other methods., There’s no need for your friends or workmates or even the child's grandparents to know there’s a bedwetting problem in your family.
By providing your child or teen with incontinence supplies, a safe space to discuss her feelings, and other behavioral or medical treatment, you can help her overcome the feelings of shame and guilt associated with bedwetting., Most children and teenagers “grow out of” bedwetting, sometimes even without treatment.Without treatment, 15% of children who wet the bed outgrow it with each passing year. -
Step 3: See your family physician.
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Step 4: Discuss medication with your doctor.
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Step 5: Try a bedwetting alarm.
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Step 6: Use a waterproof mattress cover.
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Step 7: Keep extra clothes and sheets nearby.
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Step 8: Have your child manage the clean-up.
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Step 9: Help your child manage his diet and fluid intake.
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Step 10: Prepare for sleepovers or nights away from home.
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Step 11: Provide your child with support and reassurance.
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Step 12: Find online community support.
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Step 13: Seek professional psychological counseling.
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Step 14: Respect your child’s privacy and dignity.
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Step 15: Be patient.
Detailed Guide
Bedwetting can be divided into primary or secondary enuresis.
Someone with primary enuresis has wet the bed since she was an infant, and has never had urinary continence for more than six months.
Secondary enuresis occurs after at least six months of urinary continence.Nocturnal enuresis is three times more common than daytime wetting and affects
2.8 percent of older children.
It occurs three times more often in boys.
Secondary causes account for less than 25 percent of cases.Some young adults who have daytime bladder issues, including an overactive bladder, may also experience nocturnal enuresis.
If a child has parents who experienced nighttime incontinence, they have a 40–77% chance of having bedwetting problems also.
Other risk factors include delayed physical maturation, constipation, overactive bladder, small bladder capacity, problems with certain hormones (including antidiuretic hormone), as well as social and emotional stress.
Events involving emotional distress such as a move to a new house or school, or other major life event, may trigger bedwetting.Sexual abuse can also cause the onset of secondary enuresis.If you suspect your child is a victim, seek expert help with your physician or through a sexual abuse and assault resource agency right away.Keep a calendar.
Keeping track of wet and dry nights may help identify patterns. , Certain medical conditions can cause bedwetting, including urinary tract infections, sleep disorders, hormonal conditions, issues with nerves that supply the bladder, and diabetes.
These require a diagnosis from a physician.The physician will discuss with you your child or teen’s hydration history, daytime urine voiding patterns, sleep history, number and episode history of bedwetting incidents, as well as behavior and emotional status.The examination may also include a urinalysis and urine culture to rule out infections.
In some cases, x-rays or other tests may be ordered.
Most children and young adults with enuresis have normal urine tests.Have your physician reassess your child after the initial diagnosis to monitor progress and fine-tune any recommended treatments., Imipramine, desmopressin, and oxybutynin are three medications that are used to treat nocturnal enuresis in children and young adults.Antibiotics will be used to treat any urinary tract infections.
Imipramine is classified as an antidepressant and carries with it some risk for suicide, as well as serious physical side effects.Discuss these with your physician.
Desmopressin is a drug used to control the amount of urine made in the kidneys, and can reduce the number of bedwetting episodes.It is effective in approximately 40 to 60 percent of children.Oxybutynin reduces bladder muscle spasms and is available in several forms, including a topical patch., Considered to be a safe and highly effective form of behavioral conditioning, a bedwetting alarm consists of a special sensor for wetness placed in the child’s pajamas or on the mattress of the bed that triggers a vibration or sound, waking the child.Bedwetting alarms can range in cost from $50 to $150.
While insurance usually does not cover the cost, flexible spending account funds can be used to purchase the alarm.Consider cost, durability, reliability and ease of set-up when purchasing an alarm.Most physicians recommend a vibratory alarm over a sound device since it is more effective at waking up children who are sound sleepers., This can help reduce mattress damage and reduce the amount of laundry after a bedwetting incident.
Place towels or other absorbent material between the waterproof cover and the bottom sheet Use a blanket that can go straight into the washing machine and dries quickly.
If necessary, make up a spare bed or couch ahead of time to encourage your child to go back to sleep quickly after a bedwetting event. , Having clean pajamas, and bedding in your child’s room can help with quick and easy changes during the night. , Some children may benefit from feeling like they can take charge of the situation.
This includes stripping and remaking the bed, and operating the washing machine. , Make sure your child drinks enough liquids during the day, so he does not feel dehydrated before bedtime.
Your child or teen should avoid tea, soda, coffee, or energy drinks that contain caffeine, which acts as a diuretic.
Limit liquids before bedtime.There is some evidence that food allergies may increase bedwetting, so be sure to discuss your child’s reactions to food with your doctor.
Have your child eat less salt.
Salt can cause the body to retain more fluids, so steer him clear of salty snacks like chips., Sleeping away from home can be a source of anxiety for children and teens suffering from nocturnal enuresis.
Make sure your child knows to go to the bathroom before bedtime.
Emptying the bladder completely may help reduce the risk of wetting the bed during sleep.
Provide your child with absorbent, disposable underwear.
There are discreet and effective products on the market for helping older children and teenagers manage bedwettings.Send your child with an extra set of clothes, as well as a waterproof storage bag for wet clothes.
Discuss the issue with the other adults involved.
Making them aware can make a bedwetting incident less traumatic for the child.
Talk to your child's doctor about medication.
Having a child take antidiuretics for the short time she is away from home may help., He may suffer from shame and embarrassment.
Remind him that it is not his fault, and maintain a low-key attitude after accidents.Parental punishment for bedwetting at any age is inappropriate.
It is strongly associated with childhood depression and reduced quality of life., There are a number of online resources to help manage bedwetting.These can be an important component of dealing with the psychological effects of bedwetting and can complement more formal care.Some sites include message boards, which may be especially helpful for teenagers seeking reassurance. , Bedwetting can be a source of major anxiety and distress and the incidence of depression, sadness, and social fear is higher in children who regularly wet the bed.Regular therapy can help your child and your family manage these symptoms.The therapist may help your child with behavioral modifications including positive reinforcement systems, awakening programs, or other methods., There’s no need for your friends or workmates or even the child's grandparents to know there’s a bedwetting problem in your family.
By providing your child or teen with incontinence supplies, a safe space to discuss her feelings, and other behavioral or medical treatment, you can help her overcome the feelings of shame and guilt associated with bedwetting., Most children and teenagers “grow out of” bedwetting, sometimes even without treatment.Without treatment, 15% of children who wet the bed outgrow it with each passing year.
About the Author
Lisa Patel
Brings years of experience writing about home improvement and related subjects.
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