Dealing With Diurnal Enuresis
Diurnal enuresis is a type of incontinence that affects young
children during their waking hours. The condition cannot be
diagnosed unless the child is over five years old and is younger
than sixteen. Diurnal enuresis is a very distressing condition
for both the child and the parents.
There can be several reasons why a child develops diurnal
enuresis. The first thing that needs to be medically established
is whether the child has contracted a urinary infection. This
involves the child providing a urine sample for testing. The
doctor will also discuss family history, including
toilet-training; bowel habits; and the regularity and nature of
urinary stream.
As well as a urine infection, diurnal enuresis can also be
caused by a brain hormone, known as antidiuretic hormone, not
working properly. The presence of this hormone determines how
much water can be held in the body. If the child has too little
of this hormone being released into their body, their bladder
may not be able to cope with the level of urine being stored.
Other things to consider if your child has developed diurnal
enuresis is whether they have an overactive bladder - this is
more common in girls and it can be a sign of infection. Quite
often young children can become so caught up in an activity that
they don't want to stop to go to the toilet. They then leave it
too late and this can result in their bladder overflowing before
they make it to the toilet.
Discovering with your doctor what it is causing your child's
diurnal enuresis and working out how to help you and your child
cope in this situation is crucial. It may be that a medical
treatment isn't necessary and many children do grow out of the
condition. But whatever the treatment your child needs you.
There is an estimated 75% chance of a child with diurnal
enuresis having a parent or sibling who has previously had the
same condition. If it also happened to you, share the
information with your child so that they know they are not the
only one.
There are many things you can do to help your child with diurnal
enuresis. The most important thing is reassurance. Tell your
child, and remind them often, that it isn't their fault. Never
allow their siblings to tease them. Recognise the warning signs:
the child may start fidgeting or holding themselves in the
perineal area. Encourage the child to go to the toilet and never
punish them if they have an 'accident'.
It is important to know that whatever is causing your child to
have diurnal enuresis, it is not the child's fault. The child
isn't being lazy or naughty - it is a condition that they have
no control over. While emotional stress does not cause diurnal
enuresis, a result of having diurnal enuresis can lead to the
child having emotional stress and losing self-esteem. Avoid this
happening to your child.
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