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Secondary nocturnal enuresis
Your child's bed-wetting is considered to be secondary nocturnal enuresis if he has spent considerable time being dry (at least 6 months) and then has regressed. This tends to occur in children when they have endured some stress in their lives. In this case the bed-wetting will usually stop when the child begins to feel more secure.
If your child has been dry but starts to wet the bed again, it's important to have a medical check to rule out any other health problems.
You may choose to consult your doctor if:
- At 6 years, your child has never been dry overnight
- Your child was dry at night but has experienced regression.
- The bed-wetting is causing you, or your child, to be upset or frustrated.
- Bed-wetting is a cause of tension in the house
- Your child is consistently wetting or soiling during the day.
- What can I do to help?
- Reassure your child that bed-wetting is normal and that he'll grow out of it. If there is a history of bed-wetting in the family, it may make him feel better if he knows that mum or dad also wet their bed.
- Don't restrict your child's fluid intake during the day or evening - this may actually make the problem worse. Children need to have five or six drinks every day.
- Avoid any drinks with caffeine in them (Coke, tea, coffe) as caffeine is a diuretic and will increase urine output.
- Don't make a big deal out of it - if bed-wetting doesn't overly concern your child, don't make him feel more anxious about it; and if he's already anxious, you'll only make him feel worse.
- Make sure your child has a shower in the morning to feel fresh and clean. This may also allow him to avoid being teased at school as a result of any lingering smell.
This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot
Last revised: Wednesday, 18 June 2008
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.