Smash hit

Some parents find that waking their child to go to the toilet when they themselves go to bed at night helps prevent wet beds. But there are problems with this strategy. Young children are still learning to respond to signals from their bladder and for most, night-time is the longest in a 24-hour period when the bladder isn’t emptied. This allows the bladder to increase its storage capacity. It stretches to a certain point, sends a signal to the brain that it’s full and the child wakes up, realising it’s time to go to the toilet. Lifting at night means a child won’t get used to these signals and the bladder won’t have the opportunity to stretch and develop.

When should I ask for medical help?

It’s best to see your GP if by the age of six or seven your child still regularly wets the bed at night. Your GP will probably refer you to your nearest community based clinic. It’s also a good idea to see your doctor if your child starts wetting the bed after months, or even years, of being dry at night.

What does treatment for regular bedwetting involve?

The two main forms of treatment are bed alarm systems and medication. There are several different forms of alarm. The most popular is a sensor mat under a child’s bed sheet which is connected to a sound box. As soon as the bed becomes wet, the alarm sounds. The idea is the child wakes and goes to the toilet. Most children will need help from a family member to start with.

Medication involves a synthetic preparation that has the same effect as vasopressin, concentrating the urine at night.

Initial success rates for both forms of treatment are around 70 per cent, but long-term dryness is harder to achieve.

What if my child’s been dry but starts bedwetting again?

Your doctor might suggest testing for a urine infection. Girls are particularly prone to these infections, which are marked by cloudy, smelly urine and a feeling of needing to go to the toilet urgently. If an infection’s diagnosed, your GP will be able to prescribe antibiotics.

If your child doesn’t have an infection, it’s worth considering whether there have been any changes in your child’s life recently, or whether there could be anything upsetting your child either at home or at school. When a child feels anxious, bedwetting can be the result. Your child isn’t being ’naughty’ by wetting the bed but may simply be feeling worried and unable to control this. Talk gently to your child, to see if anything’s the matter. It would also be worth having a word with your child’s teacher to find out how things are going at school.

In terms of dealing with the situation, the best approach is to be as calm and matter of fact as you can. Buy a protective mattress cover (available from major high street chemists and department stores). When the bed is wet in the morning, involve your child in taking off the sheet ready for washing. Don’t get cross. If your child picks up you’re feeling angry, this could make the problem worse.

Try to keep the atmosphere at home as calm and relaxed as possible, and give your child lots of extra cuddles to reassure her of your love.

What’s going to help?

Reducing fluid intake just before bedtime might be effective, but make sure your child is drinking enough through the day as this will help the bladder get used to holding more urine.

For some children, a star chart can be a useful incentive but keep this low key and ensure the emphasis is on rewarding dry nights rather than penalties for wet beds.

For more help and information contact the Enuresis Resource and Information Centre at www.eric.org.uk

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