Did you know that bedwetting runs in the family? Apparently a child is more likely to bed wet if one of the parents went through the same.
Also, bed-wetting is more common among boys than girls. Now that we know these random facts about bed wetting, let us discuss some statistics;
Bedwetting, according to research from the American Academy of Pediatrics, affects twenty per cent of children at age five, ten per cent at age seven and about three per cent of teenagers.
Source: Top Doctors UK
Bedwetting might be normal to a degree, but it is no less embarrassing to the child, especially those older than the age of five and no less tasking to the parent.
Though children will eventually outgrow that phase, there are times when there could be a relapse. For example, a seven-year-old who stopped bed wetting six months ago suddenly starts to bed wet again.
The first bedwetting is called primary bedwetting, which is the constant, usual bedwetting that happens amongst kids and the reoccurrence of it after six months is called secondary bedwetting. Usually, secondary bedwetting can be a major source of concern for a parent.
When a child starts to wet the bed again, there could be possible reasons for this. These reasons may include;
1. Deep sleeper
2. Small bladder
3. Chronic Constipation
4. Diabetes
Though some of these conditions have to be treated or outgrown, there are a few things you could do to avoid or stop the bedwetting from occurring and hopefully, these tips could bring about permanent change.
How to stop bedwetting permanently
Bedwetting cannot just stop overnight. It takes time and consistency to get rid of bedwetting permanently. Setting up some routines and changes like;
1. Restricting fluids in the evening: Drinking plenty of fluids during the day and restricting high-sugar drinks will reduce thirst by night time. There should be no fluids two hours before bed.
2. Encourage Voiding: This means regularly urinating before bedtime. You could also set an alarm to wake the child at midnight to urinate.
3. Use a moisture alarm: A Moisture alarm wakes your child up the moment they pee on the bed. Getting one will help condition your child’s brain to wake up at the exact moment they want to pee. This may take a long time to see actual results but you are guaranteed a positive result at the end.
4. You could try using medication: This does not exactly stop bedwetting, and it is not a solution you can use long term either, but you could get a prescription from a doctor if the doctor feels the prescriptions are necessary. However, you should know that the moment you stop the medication, the bedwetting continues. If your child’s bedwetting is a result of any other condition, it would be best to seek help from a doctor.
Bedwetting is a normal part of a child’s development, but it can be handled and eradicated.
Disclaimer
TA healthcare professional did not write this article. If you have questions about bedwetting, please contact a doctor.
