Bedwetting is a very annoying problem, many people do not step so quickly to the doctor for this. Or they do not know exactly when to go to the doctor with this problem. We have listed here when you can go to the doctor and what you have to think about in order to be prepared.
What is bedwetting?
Bedwetting, or Enuresis nocturna , is when a child aged five years or older has urinated in bed at night at least twice a week or when a child aged 7 years or older urinates in bed at least once a month without showing other physical illness or other symptoms. Then another distinction is made between children who have never been dry; Primary enuresis nocturna: present from birth or children who have been in the interim for a period of at least six months. Secondary enuresis nocturna: bedwetting again after a period of at least six months of potty training.
It is very important for GPs to know whether the motivation comes from the child or from the parents.
To the family doctor?
Before going to the doctor, it is important to have thought about the following questions:
- How often is your child wet?
- Is it wet only at night or also during the day?
- Is your child constantly losing small bits of urine or are they large puddles?
- How often does the child urinate? Normal is three to eight times a day.
- How is the urine stream (does the child have to push, is the stream interrupted or weak, drip)?
- Has the child experienced a urinary tract infection (pain when urinating, blood in the urine)?
- Is there pants pooping or constipation?
It is also important as parents to think about your child's general functioning. Does your child have friends or school, does he/she participate in the group?
But also good to think about is about profound events recently happened for the child (grandpa or grandma died or parents in divorce). It is important to have a complete picture about your child's situation.
Bedwetting is hereditary
We know that bedwetting is hugely hereditary so before you go to the doctor also get a good idea about your own history regarding bedwetting.
- At what age were you dry as a parent and what about the grandparents?
- Does bedwetting occur in others in the family?
- How was the potty training process during the day?
According to doctors' guidelines, bedwetting untreated has a good prognosis. It requires patience and restraint.
Initially, the doctor will talk with you as parents and carefully examine the situation at home.
Begin with education in a conversation with parents and child. If the results are insufficient, one or more of the less intensive behavioral therapy methods will follow, possibly followed by more intensive methods. In adolescents and adults, the more intensive interventions are especially appropriate: urinary alarm, wake-up training or dry-bed training. With all methods, a micturation diary can be used in which fluid intake, amount of urine and micturation frequency are recorded.
Emphasize the following aspects in the conversation with child and parent(s):
- Tell clearly what the intention is;
- give positive attention;
- Place the responsibility on the child;
- Be conscientious;
- Evening drinks are allowed;
- no diapers
