FFor decades, bedwetting is one of the most neglected medical condition for thousands of children over 5 years of age. As per world data, 7-10 percent of children between 5-18 years suffer from bedwetting. Usually it is a silent suffering and is thought to naturally cure itself. It is not always true however and it can persist for years in adolescents and even some adults.
The world medical fraternity has realized this and hence has decided to spread awareness by announcing World Bedwetting Day on 4th Tuesday of May every year with the Slogan – TIME TO TAKE ACTION.
Bedwetting is not a fault of kid and it is a pure medical condition. No child should be held responsible for wetting the bed as this leads to scars in the self esteem of the child permanently. It is usually left my parents to be self healed over coming years leading to a very sad and distressing journey of humiliation and low self confidence for the child who is suffering. Children avoid night travels, night stay and try to hide secret in their hearts from society. They feel ashamed and don’t like to discuss this issue with friends and relatives and silently suffer.
Bedwetting is of two types:
Primary bedwetting is considered when a child has never been dry most of nights since birth and persists beyond 5 years of age.
Secondary Bedwetting is diagnosed when a child has been dry at night for a period of 6 months and then started to do bedwetting subsequently. This requires more detailed analysis than Primary bedwetting.
The common medical causes are over-production of urine at night, the inability to wake up or reduced capacity of the bladder. Majority of children have associated with increased day time frequency of urine, urgency and urge incontinence. History of Polyuria / Polydipsia is also important part of diagnosis making. A strong genetic connection is also associated as it can be detected in parents and close relatives. A proper medical evaluation by Paediatric Nephrologist to identify exact cause leads to complete cure of the condition.
Standard evaluation
Standard evaluation starts with a very detailed bladder diary comprising input / output of fluids and urination frequency and volume. It is combined with sonological assessment, urine tests and blood tests if required. Certain tools like urodynamic tests / MCU are also combined to get accurate picture.
What is the treatment for bedwetting?
Treatment comprises of Pharmacotherapy in combination of biofeedback therapy and motivation by parents. Majority of children respond to the treatment plan and restore dry nights.
Certain wrong beliefs are:
- Bedwetting is not a psychological issue
- It is not caused by fear or night terrors
- No Need for evaluation and treatment
- It can be left untreated and it will self cure
- Child will slowly learn to live with it anyhow
Medical Suggestions are:
- It is a treatable medical condition
- It MUST be evaluated and treated in kids more than 5 years
- It runs in family in 70% of cases in either parents / siblings
- If untreated it can lead to psychological issues.
Many times such kids are seen by physicians of Varying specialties – Endocrinologists / Psychiatrists / Peadiatric Surgeons / physicians / Development specialists and this leads to delay in accurate diagnosis. Specialized Bedwetting Clinic caters to specialized care and treatment for such children.
A timely visit at 5 years of age to Paediatric Nephrologist leads to accurate diagnosis and early treatment in cases of Bedwetting.