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Definition:
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Bedwetting is involuntary urination in children over 5 to 6 years old. It may occur at any time of the day or night. This article focuses on nighttime bedwetting.
See also: Incontinence
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Alternative Names:
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Enuresis
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Symptoms:
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The main symptom is involuntary urination, usually at night, that occurs at least twice per month.
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Signs and tests:
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Your child's doctor will discuss the history of bedwetting in detail. You can help by keeping a detailed diary that outlines normal urination and wetting episodes, fluid and food intake (including time of meals), and sleep times.
A physical examination should be performed to rule out physical causes. A urinalysis will be done to rule out infection or diabetes.
X-rays of the kidneys and bladders and other studies are not needed unless there is reason to suspect some other problems.
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Expectations (prognosis):
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The condition poses no threat to the health of the child if there is no physical cause of bedwetting. The child may feel embarrassment or have a loss of self-esteem because of the problem. It is important to reassure the child. Most children respond to some type of treatment.
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Complications:
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Complications may develop if a physical cause of the disorder is overlooked. Psychosocial complications may arise if the problem is not dealt with effectively in a timely manner.
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Calling your health care provider:
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Be sure to mention bedwetting to your child's health care provider. Children should have a physical exam and a urine test to rule out urinary tract infection or other causes.
If your child is having pain with urination, fever, or blood in the urine, contact your child's doctor right away.
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Prevention:
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Getting plenty of sleep and going to the bathroom at regular times during the day and night can help prevent some aspects of bedwetting.
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References:
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Robson WL. Clinical practice. Evaluation and management of enuresis. N Engl J Med. 2009;360:1429-1436.
Katz ER, DeMaso DR. Rumination, pica, and elimination (enuresis, encopresis) disorders. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 21.
This article uses information by permission from Alan Greene, M.D., © Greene Ink, Inc.
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