Home And Family

Children vary greatly in their ability to control their bladders at night. While most children outgrow wetting the bed between the ages of three and five years, some may reach this stage of development much later.

It is absolutely normal for a child under five to wet the bed occasionally and boys often take longer than girls. The "accidents" can happen and should be treated gently to prevent emotional pain, low self-esteem, and shame. Children who wet their beds should never be punished.

Although nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) is not usually a cause for great concern, can be a tension between parents and child, and according to the children grow, the problem tends to be associated with emotional stress.

If your child wets the bed far beyond what is considered appropriate to age, or start wetting the bed after long periods of "dryness", it is advisable to seek a professional opinion to determine the underlying cause.

Diagnosis of nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting)

Approximately 20 percent of children over the age of five wet their beds, and the boys are generally more affected than girls. While most of these children will grow out of this phase before they reach puberty, a few suffer through adolescence and even into adulthood.

The adult bed-wetting or even continuing with the years beyond childhood and adolescence can be extremely anxious and may lead to emotional and personal problems. There are many ways to help your child and explore treatment options to determine which would best suit your child.

When should I worry about wetting the bed?

By the age of 7 years, most children still wet the bed begin to feel embarrassed about your problem. It can be limiting, since these children often avoid participating in certain activities like sleeping outdoors or camping, for fear of bedwetting. At the same time, can also become a struggle for parents seeking continuous change, wet mattresses, and an anxious child. There are many treatment options that can be explored.

What causes bedwetting?

The bed-wetting is usually caused by an immature bladder or the inability to wake up due to very deep sleep states. In both cases, this is typically something that your child will eventually mature according to the bladder and the mind becomes more sensitive to signals the body to awaken.

Help for bed-wetting

Your doctor will start getting a detailed history of your child, and any other symptoms that could be experienced. Depending on circumstances, a full medical checkup, including urinalysis and blood tests can be done to eliminate diseases such as diabetes or a urinary tract infection. If your doctor suspects a physical abnormality, an X-ray or a scan of the kidneys and bladder can be made or you may be referred to a urologist for further testing. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and seriousness of the problem.

A number of treatment options are available to help treat bedwetting, including behavioral changes, moisture alarms, drug treatment, psychotherapy, and natural remedies. Choose a treatment option that takes into account the best interests of the child and family.

Natural Remedies

Some herbal and homeopathic remedies have been used successfully to treat nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting). Equisetum asiatica herb has been widely used to tone and strengthen the fabric of weak bladder and urinary tract, while decreasing anxiety.

Hypericum perforatum herbs such as passionflower and have also provided assistance for the treatment of depression and anxiety in childhood - without the negative effects of prescription drugs. The advantage of bringing the natural route in curing bedwetting is that it is gentle and safe for your child - so you do not have to worry about dangerous side effects.