Bedwetting is a common and troublesome problem in some children.
It is viewed traditionally as part of growing up, but when it persists beyond early childhood, it becomes unacceptable and can be very stressful and distressing to the afflicted children and their families. Many parents are worried when their school-going child continues to wet his/her bed at night.
The following attempts to address some of the common questions asked about bedwetting, with the aim to provide some facts and dispel fallacies on this subject. The reviews provided are by no means exhaustive and you should discuss with the doctor or therapist when in doubt.
It is uncontrollable wetting while asleep in an otherwise healthy child beyond early childhood.
Most bedwetters seeking treatment in Singapore are:
Yes, especially when the child is already at school going age and the wetting is frequent.
In Singapore, it has been found that bedwetters and their parents sought treatment for the following reasons :
Actual incidence of bedwetting is unknown in Singapore. However, it is believed to be quite common and there is an increasing number of cases seeking treatment in recent years.
The exact cause or causes are unknown. Various factors or causes that have been implicated include:
Absolutely not.
No. The vast majority of bedwetters are healthy with no underlying diseases.
Yes. With treatment. the majority of sufferers can become dry or improve significantly. Although bedwetting can resolve spontaneously, if left alone, this may take several years. To date, there are two established treatment strategies that have claimed about 70% to 80% success rate. They are the use of:
Bedwetters typically produce copious and diluted urine during sleep. To reduce this excessive urine production, a synthetic anti-diuretic hormone called desmopressin is used at bedtime to give an extra boost to the body to help concentrate the urine.
There are rarely, if any, significant side effects. However, as desmopressin reduces water with excretion from the body, it can potentially cause water retention if a child continues drinking excessively after taking the medication. Side effects occur occasionally and include headache, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps and rarely, fits. An important precaution for those children using desmopressin is to avoid drinking water before bedtime.
You can seek advice and treatment from your doctor.
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