Bed Wetting
Overview of Bed Wetting
Bed wetting is the involuntary urination at night in children after the age when control of urine can be reasonably expected. It is a common issue in children as they are still developing nighttime bladder control.
Signs and Symptoms of Bed Wetting
Bed-wetting before the age of 7 is not a concern, Some children may still wet the bed after the age of 7, Some children may have bed wetting after a long period of good toilet training with dryness
Common Causes of Bed Wetting
Small or underdeveloped bladder fails to hold urine produced at night, Unable to recognise a full bladder as the nerves controlling the bladder are not matured, Insufficient anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) to slow urine production at night, Urinary tract infection, Obstructive sleep apnea due to inflamed tonsils or adenoids, Diabetes, Chronic constipation causing muscles to become dysfunctional, Structural issues in the urinary system or nervous system
Risk Factors of Bed Wetting
Family history of bed wetting
Investigation Techniques for Bed Wetting
Medical history, Physical examination, Urine tests to look for signs of diabetes or urinary tract infection, Ultrasound of the urinary system and voiding cystourethrography to look for structural abnormalities in the urinary system, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of lumbosacral spine for suspected spinal problems, Urodynamic studies to rule out dysfunctional voiding
Treatment and Prevention of Bed Wetting
Most cases do not require treatment, Avoid caffeine, Limit fluid intake at night, Double void before going to bed, Moisture alarms, Medications such as desmopressin to slow urine production at night or oxybutynin to increase bladder capacity and reduce bladder contractions
