Developmental Delay The bladder may not be fully developed. Boys, who develop more slowly than girls, are more likely to exhibit bedwetting. When developmental delay is the problem, bedwetting often just stops on its own. Use common-sense strategies to minimize the hassle and embarassment of bedwetting.
Constipation and Urinary Tract Infections Bedwetting can be exacerbated by constipation and chronic urinary tract infections. Set an appointment with the child's pediatrician. Prior to the doctor visit, print this Voiding Diary and record the child's voiding patterns for three days. Also print the Voiding History Form and complete it to take to the appointment. This will be very helpful to your pediatrician in making a diagnosis.
Symptoms of Constipation
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections
Other Related Physical Causes of Bedwetting A small percentage of bed wetting children may have physical causes of bedwetting such as abnormal urinary tracts, diabetes, sickle cell anemia, or sleep apnea. A pediatrician will rule out these causes during examination of the child.
ADD/ADHD A correlation between bedwetting and ADD/ADHD has been noted by clinicians. If a child over age 5 exhibits both bedwetting and hyperactivity, impulsiveness, tantrums, or other symptoms of ADD/ADHD, appropriate ADD treatment medications will normally resolve the bedwetting.
Stress, Trauma, Abuse A child who begins to wet the bed after being dry for several months or years may be exhibiting symptoms of stress, trauma, or abuse. The child's therapist should be informed of the bedwetting, but know that psychotherapy has not been shown to be effective in eliminating bedwetting. Instead, psychotherapy will help the child recover from the trauma or stress resulting in a decrease or elimination of the bedwetting problem. In the meantime, parents should use common-sense strategies to manage the bedwetting without shaming or embarassing the child.
How to Explain Bed Wetting to the Child - National Kidney Foundation
Voiding Forms at National Kidney Foundation
Symptoms at Virtual Children's Hospital
