Bedwetting(medically referred to as nocturnal enuresis or incontinence) refers to involuntary passage of urine during sleep. It is a common problem in preschool and school children. The age by which children achieve control over passage of urine varies. By 5 years of age, about 93- 95% of children would have gained control over passage of urine. The number increases to 96% and 99% by 7 years and 12 years. Night time control occurs later as But a child's bedwetting beyond 4 to 5 years of age can cause a lot of anxiety among the parents.
Beyond 5 years of age, parents can implement some simple lifestyle changes in the children to help them achieve control over passage of urine during night. Children should be given reminder to urinate just before going to bed. Carbonated drinks should be avoided after evening hours. Maximum proportion of daily water consumption of the child( around 80%) should be completed before 7 pm in evening. Mental and emotional stress of the child should be minimized, by activities such as engaging in games, narrating bed-time stories etc. The child should never be reprimanded for bedwetting. The child should be praised and appreciated whenever he/she does not bed- wet. This strategy, referred to as 'Positive enforcement' motivates the child to keep in mind all the preventive measures listed above and helps increase the number of dry nights.
Inspite of all the above measures if the child is still bedwetting, consultation with a child specialist should be sought. Also consult a doctor if any other features such as persistent fever, dribbling of urine or weakness in the legs is observed in the child other features such as persistent fever, dribbling of urine or weakness in the legs is observed in the child.