Role in treatment helps children overcome bedwetting
By Graciela Gutierrez
Parents might be surprised to learn that giving children control over nighttime bedwetting may be the best way to overcome the frustrating problem.
"Bedwetting sometimes creates a sense of embarrassment or failure in children," said Edmond T. Gonzales, Jr., M.D., professor of urology at BCM. "With parents' support, giving children an active role in treatment builds confidence."
Cause unknown
Because studies have yet to identify the cause of nighttime bedwetting, no one treatment is guaranteed to work for everyone. Nevertheless, the course of action with which the child is most comfortable tends to produce the best outcome, says Gonzales.
"Parents should play a major role in decision making, but they should allow the child his or her input into the choice of treatment," Gonzales said. "It improves self-esteem, it gives the child some control when it may feel like he or she hasn't any."
Treatment options
Some of the treatment options include prescription medications. One commonly used medicine makes the body react as if dehydrated so the kidneys retain liquids overnight.
"These types of pills won't solve the problem but in most cases will help control wetting for the night," Gonzales said. "It lifts some of the anxiety for children who are planning for a sleepover, a visit to a relative or summer camp."
Another treatment involves an alarm system worn in pajamas that sounds when it becomes wet.
Rule out health problems
More commonly, doctors suggest parents limit the amount of liquids children drink in the evening and schedule a bathroom break before bed. Gonzales said family doctors can help rule out any major health problems that could be contributing to bedwetting before discussing the many options.
"It's just a matter of finding what works best for the child," Gonzales said. "Given enough time, almost all children grow out of nighttime wetting, so it's important to protect their self-esteem in the process."
