When you wake up in the morning and see your child sleeping in damp clothes and bed sheets you are so desolated and keep wondering what can be done. This is a situation that might be familiar in many households. It is a matter of concern for many parents. However, each individual is unique and each one might take some time before he/she develops. On the other hand, it is a bothersome state especially when the child has grown beyond the age of 7 years because by then most of the children don?t wet their beds at night.
What is Bedwetting and why does it occur?
Bedwetting at night time is medically termed as Nocturnal Enuresis. Bedwetting means involuntary (uncontrolled) urination that generally occurs at night in children after a certain age in which the urinary bladder usually attains control. This condition is divided into 2 types, primary nocturnal enuresis and secondary nocturnal enuresis
Primary nocturnal enuresis is the common type that occurs. It is considered as a disorder when the child is old enough to stay dry but continues to have bedwetting to at least 2 wet nights per week, or is not able to sleep dry unless being accompanied to the washroom.
Secondary nocturnal enuresis is when the child is dry for nearly 6 months and then starts bedwetting again. This can be due to some emotional stress or bladder infection.
Why does Bedwetting occur?
The etiology of the disease is not very well known, however, there are a few risk factors that contribute to bedwetting. They are:
- A developmental delay that is related to the neurology. The nervous system is unable to recognize that the bladder is full and hence bedwetting occurs.
- Family history plays a major role. If parents had bedwetting problems in their past it is more likely to affect kids.
- Reduced Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) can cause bedwetting. The Antidiuretic hormone helps to curb the production of urine at night. When this hormone is reduced bedwetting might occur.
- Medical and Psychological conditions are likely to cause bedwetting. For example ADHD, Diabetes Mellitus Type 1, constipation, infections, physical abnormalities, sleep apnea and so on.
- Psychological issues like a death in the family or sexual abuse might be a reason for secondary nocturnal enuresis. Also, stress is a major contributor to bedwetting.
Taking care of the Condition
Firstly it is important to know that there is no use of scolding or hitting your child if he/she has bedwetting issues. This only further worsens the situation. Secondly, try to understand the cause of the problem. If there is a medical or psychological condition it is better to see a doctor. After ruling out all these causes we can go ahead with ways of improving the condition.
Tips:
- Talk to your child about the problem and educate him/her about becoming a big child (like he/she doesn?t have to wear diapers anymore since he/she is growing).
- Regularize a uniform bedtime that also involves voiding the bladder right before going to bed.
- Waking up the child before he/she wets the bed and asking him/her to use the washroom.
- Reward your child with little goodies if he/she manages to have a dry night as it encourages the child to further deal with this situation.
- Let your child not drink any fluid at least 2 hours before going to bed. This will prevent bedwetting.
Treatment in Homoeopathy
In Homoeopathy, Doliosis D77 Bed-wetting is known to combat symptoms that contribute to bedwetting. It acts on the source of the problem and relieves symptoms such as fear, nervousness and bladder irritation in children. This product has no side effects and is easy to take. It can be consumed with other medication, for all age groups.