General Paediatrics
Bed Wetting (Enuresis) in Children
Bedwetting is common and often runs in families. It can be upsetting, but most children and young people will grow out of it.
Enuresis
Bedwetting is common and often runs in families.
It can be upsetting, but most children and young people will grow out of it.
Primary vs Secondary Enuresis
Primary Enuresis
The most common type of bedwetting — when a child has never been able to control their bladder at night.
Possible causes:
- Deep sleeper
- Small bladder
- Hereditary
- Physically not fully developed yet
- Low levels of the hormone vasopressin
Secondary Enuresis
When a child has regained bedwetting after a period of dryness — specifically, after staying dry at night for at least 6 months.
Possible causes:
- Stress and anxiety
- Diabetes
- Kidney infection
- Psychological trauma
- Neurological or anatomical problems
Causes of Bed Wetting
There are many reasons why a child might wet the bed. Causes include:
- Not feeling the need to pee while sleeping
- Making too much pee at night
- Stress at home or at school
Bedwetting may also be caused by an underlying health condition such as diabetes or constipation.
Daytime Urinary Incontinence
Some children may have increased urgency and frequency of going to the toilet during daytime or have daytime accidents / urinary incontinence.
This can occur because of:
- Overactive bladder or other causes
- Constipation
- Urinary infection
Management
Conservative Management
- Reward charts
- Optimising fluid intake
- Bed alarms
Primary Bedwetting (over 7 years)
If symptoms persist over 7 years, medications may be required: Desmopressin / Anticholinergic medications
Secondary Bedwetting
Medical treatment based on clinical findings.
Daytime Incontinence
Medications may be required to control symptoms of increased urgency and frequency of passing urine / urinary incontinence.
Investigations
Some children may require investigations depending on clinical symptoms if experiencing secondary enuresis or daytime incontinence, including:
- Ultrasound scans
- Kidney function tests
- Blood glucose levels
- Blood and urine osmolalities
- Evaluation for constipation / UTI
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
About bed wetting (enuresis) in children in children
Is your child affected by bed wetting?
Dr Anandarajan offers same-week appointments with no GP referral required. Both Kingsbridge Private Hospital and Ulster Independent Clinic locations available.