Posted on 09/08/2017
Bedwetting. It's messy. It's embarrassing. It's common. If that's all you know about it, though, you probably don't know enough to help your child navigate this hard-to-cope-with sleep disorder. In addition to helping identify and possibly eliminate or treat any contributing factors, you can help your child by educating them and providing routines and products that will help make the situation a little less frustrating for both of you.
Identifying Causes of Primary Bedwetting
First things first: there's (probably) no reason to be fearful: 99% of children who routinely wet the bed have no underlying medical condition causing the problem. Two general categories of bedwetting can help differentiate those who may need further testing or treatment: primary and secondary bedwetting. Primary bedwetting describes a child whose bedwetting has been a constant issue, or virtually so. Typically, primary bedwetting is developmental; most children will eventually grow out of it on their own. Sometimes, though, primary bedwetting can be caused by drinking too many fluids before bed. For some children, primary bedwetting is an extension of poor daytime habits, such as waiting too long to go to the bathroom.
Addressing Potential Contributors to Primary Bedwetting
The first issue is simple: sometimes, bedwetting can be curbed by reducing fluid intake during the evening hours before bedtime. The second is a little more difficult to address: Many children with poor daytime habits simply don't want to miss out on anything. You can tell they're holding it in because they will cross their legs, squat, or hold their groin. If you notice those daytime habits in your child, you can help motivate them to go to the bathroom before they get to that point by setting a timer and requiring them to try every 30 minutes or so. After a few days, you could allow them the freedom to go only when they sensed the urge to go; if you catch them holding it, though, they're back to the scheduled trips. Once good daytime urination habits are in place, you may see a change in nighttime bedwetting, too.
Identifying Causes of Secondary Bedwetting
Secondary bedwetting describes a child who has kept the bed dry for 6 months or more and then reverted to bedwetting. The cause may be medical or emotional. If your child is also having to urinate frequently during the day, he or she may have a urinary tract infection. Also referred to as a UTI, this condition often comes with pain during urination and a strong urgency to urinate. Bedwetting combined with frequent daytime urination can also be a telltale sign of Diabetes. If daytime incontinence is also an issue, a structural abnormality or neurological issue may be the cause. If you suspect a medical cause for your child's bedwetting, you should have your child's physician evaluate them for any of those problems.
Sometimes secondary bedwetting can be caused by emotional problems due to stressors such as relational conflict or a major change. If no medical problems or known stressors exist, the cause could even be tied to sexual abuse.
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Source cited: http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/bedwet...