Nocturnal / Secondary Enuresis

Knowledge Can Help Lead To Dry Nights

Nocturnal enuresis, also referred to as primary nocturnal enuresis, is the medical term for bedwetting. Nocturnal enuresis describes children who consistently wet the bed, as opposed to the other forms of bedwetting, including secondary enuresis (which is when a child has not wet the bed for at least six months and then begins bedwetting again). Bedwetting is much more common than you might think. In fact, up to 20% of five year olds and up to 5% of ten year olds wet the bed. Around 97% of children have grown out of bedwetting by the age of 12, so most cases are nothing to worry about and simply require some love and support. The most common cause of bedwetting is usually common bladder development delays which will usually fix itself over time.

What Are Primary And Secondary Nocturnal Enuresis?

Bedwetting refers to uncontrolled urination – children who are going through bedwetting are not doing it on purpose nor consciously. Primary bedwetting happens when young children lack bladder control from infancy. Persistent bedwetting, which is when the child wets the bed at least once or twice a week, is typically not an issue until your child reaches school-age. Secondary nocturnal enuresis (SNE) happens when a child or adolescent can manage proper control over their bladder during the night for at least six months or more then begins bedwetting again. Secondary bedwetting makes up around 25% of all bedwetting cases, with the percentage of children with secondary bedwetting increasing with age. Secondary bedwetting is often unexpected and can add extra stress for all for both the children and family members. Children who took longer to stop primary bedwetting are more likely to go through secondary bedwetting.

What Causes Nocturnal Enuresis?

Nocturnal enuresis can be caused by different things and it will vary by child. Below are the most common causes of nocturnal enuresis:

How To Manage Nocturnal Enuresis?

Bedwetting can be a source of emotional distress to children dealing with bedwetting and cause a negative impact to self-esteem. It is important to continue to provide lots of love and emotional support during this time, and this will help reassure your child.

What Causes Secondary Enuresis?

Causes of secondary enuresis can vary but fit into two categories; emotional and physiological. In most cases the cause will not be a medical issue.

What To Do If Your Child Is Suffering From Secondary Enuresis?

There are several things you can do if your child has begun bedwetting again.

Secondary Enuresis Treatment

Treatment for secondary enuresis varies based on the cause. Some medical conditions, such as UTIs are easy to treat and will usually go away with a course of antibiotics, while others may be more serious. Bedwetting caused by emotional stress can sometimes be tougher to deal with and might require setting up an appointment with a counselor or therapist for your child. Less traumatic emotional triggers, such as anxiety about a school exam or moving houses, generally fix themselves over time, but it’s always important to be supportive and try to help ease their anxiety. You should always consult your child’s doctor for guidance on how to treat secondary enuresis.

Bedwetting Products

There are many different bedwetting products available to you, which can help reduce stress for both parents and children. If your child is old enough, discuss these products with them and let them choose which ones they feel comfortable using.