What is Enuresis? Enuresis is involuntary urination at nighttime, more commonly known as bedwetting. By age five, most children have gained control of bowel and bladder. However, 10% of children continue bedwetting into age 6. Enuresis affects 5-7 million US children including 15% of girls and 22% of boys.
What causes Enuresis? The direct cause of enuresis is not always known, but it can be due to hormone imbalance, dysfunctional muscle activity, bladder size, genetic factors, sleep disorders, diet, urinary tract abnormalities, constipation, UTIs, and stress levels.
Signs and Symptoms? Signs and symptoms of enuresis can vary, but the main symptom will be a child age 5 or older wetting the bed or clothes two times a week for more than 3 months. Some associated symptoms could include pain or burning with urination, cloudy or bloody urination, constipation, unusual thirst, or snoring. Stress levels, family genetics, and ADHD have also all been related to enuresis.
How is it diagnosed? Your doctor will diagnose enuresis usually using a physical exam, medical history, family history, sleeping patterns, and bowel/bladder habits. In some cases, an x-ray or urinalysis may be used to rule out certain medical issues.
How is it treated? Enuresis can be treated with voiding schedules, constipation management, dietary and fluid intake changes, medications, alarm systems, bladder training, posture education, breathing exercises, pelvic floor muscle (PFM) coordination exercises, and PFM strengthening exercises.
