Bedwetting
Bedwetting is considered normal through age 4. However, 14% of 5 to 13 year olds still wet the bed. The cause of bedwetting is not completely known, but the following factors may be considered to determine appropriate intervention for a child who is wetting the bed.
Developmental Delay The bladder may not be fully developed. Boys, who develop more slowly than girls, are more likely to exhibit bedwetting. When developmental delay is the problem, bedwetting often just stops on its own. Use common-sense strategies to minimize the hassle and embarassment of bedwetting.
Constipation and Urinary Tract Infections Bedwetting can be exacerbated by constipation and chronic urinary tract infections.
Other Related Physical Causes of Bedwetting A small percentage of bed wetting children may have physical causes of bedwetting such as abnormal urinary tracts, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, or sleep apnea. A pediatrician will rule out these causes during examination of the child.
ADD/ADHD A correlation between bedwetting and ADD/ADHD has been noted by clinicians. If a child over age 5 exhibits both bedwetting and hyperactivity, impulsiveness, tantrums, or other symptoms of ADD/ADHD, appropriate ADD treatment medications will normally resolve the bedwetting.
Stress, Trauma, Abuse A child who begins to wet the bed after being dry for several months or years may be exhibiting symptoms of stress, trauma, or abuse. The child’s therapist should be informed of the bedwetting, but know that psychotherapy has not been shown to be effective in eliminating bedwetting. Instead, psychotherapy will help the child recover from the trauma or stress resulting in a decrease or elimination of the bedwetting problem. In the meantime, parents should use common-sense strategies to manage the bedwetting without shaming or embarassing the child.
Other Articles of Interest
Toilet training: Learning to use the toilet is a big step for toddlers and it can be difficult for some. Some children just seem to train themselves
Medical Care and Your 6- to 12-year-old: Regular well-child examinations by your child's doctor are essential to keep your child healthy and up-to-date with his or her immunizations to prevent many diseases.
Medical Care and Your 4- to 5-year-old: Regular well-child examinations by your child's doctor are essential to keep your child healthy and up-to-date on immunizations against many dangerous childhood diseases. A checkup