Bedwetting - Growing Up

Can bedwetting be treated?

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:

• Bedwetting alarm.
• Desmopressin -a synthetic anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) that can concentrate and reduce urine production.

How does bedwetting alarm help?

• Bedwetting alarm is a form of conditioning therapy. It comprises a urine sensitive pad formed by a series of flexible wires connected to an alarm unit. The detector pad is placed on the child's underwear when he goes to sleep. The moment a few drops of urine come into contact with the pad, the alarm will be triggered, awakening the child who will then cease voiding, get out of bed and complete voiding in the toilet. Several nights of being awakened in this manner results in the development of a conditioned response, enabling the child to hold his urine even when his bladder is full.
• Thus, it takes time to train the bladder. Results are often seen only after weeks of therapy.
• This method is effective in 70% to 80% of bedwetters but it requires high motivation and patience on the part of the bedwetters and their parents. as well as constant support from therapists.

How does desmopressin help?

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.

• Up to 70% of bedwetters can respond to desmopressin treatment.
• An initial trial of treatment over two weeks is necessary to assess response. If there is satisfactory response, treatment is continued for at least three months, after which treatment needs to be reviewed. Some bedwetters need a longer period of treatment .

Are there any side effects to desmopressin treatment? What precautions should be taken?

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.

Where can I get help?

You can seek advice and treatment from your doctor.