Enuresis is Something to Talk About
Enuresis, or bedwetting, is common in children as they grow up.
Almost everyone has experienced this in their lifetime at least
once, so the commonality of this issue should be easy to
discuss. However, in many homes it is an issue never faced and
the child is left feeling embarrassed and unsure as to what is
happening to their body. The best way of consoling a child that
is facing enuresis is for the parent to gain more than basic
knowledge of it.
There are two types of enuresis: primary and secondary. Primary
enuresis is when the control of the bladder was never attained
and secondary is when the child has had control, but has since
lost it. The second one is the most prevalent in children, and
it happens to more boys than girls. Millions of children
experience it and eventually grow out of it by the age of 6. For
some, it is an ongoing battle that doesn't seem to have an
ending.
The cause of bedwetting is unknown although it has been
researched extensively. Severe enuresis could have a physical or
psychological reason. Physically, constipation has been looked
at as a contributing factor, and once the constipation had been
treated, the bedwetting subsided. This could also be a problem
for children with diabetes or any other metabolic condition.
Urinary tract infections have also been a culprit of enuresis.
Typically with these types of cases, the child will complain of
not feeling good or having pain. If the child doesn't fall under
one of these physical explanations, you can begin to look at the
psychological aspects of bedwetting.
A psychological reason for bedwetting could be delayed
development or a child that has been rushed into potty training.
Enuresis has also been used as an early diagnosis for ADD/ADHD.
Stress should also be considered a reason, and the parents
should ask themselves if their child is going through any
situations that could cause them stress such as a new baby,
moving, beginning school, or a painful loss. One of the more
popular theories is enuresis by genetic link. If both parents
have a history of enuresis as a child, their own child has a
greater chance of having it themselves. Even if one parent has
had a history of bedwetting, the child has a greater possibility
of having enuresis than if he had none.
At the first sign of enuresis, the parent should reassure the
child that this is a natural part of growing up and eventually
it will go away. Sharing your own experiences with this problem
could also benefit the child. Giving such information to the
child allows them to feel less alone and strange about their
situation. Fear and embarrassment could heighten bedwetting even
more.
Consult the doctor if you feel that your child's enuresis has
surpassed being a common childhood rite of passage. Any
complaints of physical pain or noticeable mood changes are a
good indicator that there is something more than just bedwetting
at night. Also, if the child begins to wet their pants during
the day, and there is no real explanation, your pediatrician
should be notified. It's safe to say that most enuresis cases
will end eventually and without precedence.
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