Definition
Enuresis (bed-wetting) is the term used for the involuntary
passage of urine during sleep. We consider it normal until
at least age 6.
Causes
Most of these children have inherited small bladders, which
cannot hold all the urine produced in a night. In addition,
they are deep sleepers who don't awaken to the signal of
a full bladder. The kidneys are normal. Physical causes
are very rare, and your physician can easily detect them.
Emotional problems do not cause enuresis, but they can occur
if it is mishandled.
Measure your child's bladder size to help you understand
how important it is for him to get up at night. Do this
by having your child hold his urine as long as possible
on at least three occasions. Have your child urinate into
a container each time. Measure the amount of urine in ounces.
The largest of the three measurements can be considered
your child's bladder capacity. The normal capacity for children
is 1 or more ounces per year of age.
Expected
Course
Most children who are bed-wetting overcome the problem between
ages 6 and 10. Even without treatment, all children eventually
get over it. Therefore, treatments that might have harmful
complications should not be used. On the other hand, treatments
without side effects can be started as soon as your child
has had complete bladder control during the daytime for
6 to 12 months.
