Bedwetting in Children – Know when to Consult a Pediatric Urologist
Introduction:
Bedwetting is one of the most common issues amongst school going children. Even though there are numerous reasons for bedwetting, frequent episodes of bedwetting could be a sign of bedwetting as well as otherpsychiatric/ mental disorders, behavior issues, sleep disorders, or issues with the kidneys/ bladder.
At times, parents wonder if they should approach a pediatric urologist despite bedwetting.
One of the things you should know is that most bedwetting issues can be resolved with the right care and concern. If your child has been showing some bedwetting issues, a pediatric urologist will evaluate your child’s bedwetting problem, and decide if he/she needs further care. This will depend on your child’s history, present symptoms, developmental stages, and the urinary habits.
It is reassuring to know that the Regal Hospital has a team of pediatric urologists who are committed to giving North Bangalore, Thanisandra, Hennur, Yelahanka, Hebbal, Tirumanahalli, and surrounding areas families the specialist care they need for the management of kidney and urinary issues.
What is Bedwetting?
Bedwetting refers to the involuntary release of urine by a child who is expected to have control of their bladder during the night. This involuntary release of urine is referred to as Nocturnal Enuresis.
Bedwetting may be attributed to the following:
- Deep / undisturbed sleep
- Small functional capacity of the bladder
- Increased production of urine at night
- Problems with the urinary tract
- Constipation
- Changes in kid’s routine (e.g. new school)
- Stressful Events
- Other medical conditions
It is important to point out bedwetting that occurs repeatedly needs to be addressed. If you notice your child has started bedwetting and shows other symptoms, then it is appropriate to have the bedwetting issue evaluated.
When Does Bedwetting Become a Concern?
Children eventually gain bladder control, but they develop it at different rates. That’s why some are dry at night before others.
The parents may have to consult the doctor if:
Bedwetting occurs consistently in older children
The child starts to wet the bed again after being dry
There is leakage of urine during the day
The child urinates many times in a short period
Urinating is painful
There are many infections of the urinary bladder
The urine is cloudy
The child has constipation
The child snores a lot
The child is bedwetting and has a low self-esteem and has trouble going on trips
A pediatric urologist in Bangalore can determine whether bedwetting is something to be concerned about.
Bedwetting and Urinary Infections
A child urinary infection changes the normal pattern of urination. It may cause frequent urination, discomfort while urinating, abdominal pain, fever, and new episodes of bedwetting.
The parents should not worry if a child who was previously dry starts bedwetting.
The doctor will ask for a urine sample if he/she suspects an infection or thinks there is something wrong with the child’s urinary system.
Could Kidney Issues or Stones Lead to Urinary Symptoms?
Kidney stones are less prevalent in children versus adults, but they occur nonetheless. A child with urinary or kidney issues will have symptoms such as abdominal or side pain, blood in their urine, nausea, vomiting, painful urination, or changes in urinary behavior.
Kidney stones form when certain things in the urine are concentrated causing the formation of crystals which develop into stones. This can happen due to insufficient fluid intake, diet, metabolic issues, family history, and even certain medical or urinary issues.
Bedwetting by itself is not pathognomonic of a child having kidney stones, but any symptom or urinary issue that a child develops should be evaluated to rule out a number of other issues.
If you are looking for treatment for kidney stones for your child in Bangalore, you should see a pediatric urinary and kidney specialist for a proper comprehensive evaluation.
When Should Parents Be Concerned About Urinary or Kidney Pain?
Seek urgent care for your child if they develop any of the following:
Severe worsening abdominal or back pain
Fever and any urinary symptom
Repeated vomiting
Any urinary symptom with visible blood in the urine
Inability to pass urine
Pain with significant symptoms of a urinary infection
Weakness from the symptoms
Signs of severe dehydration
These problems will require urgent evaluation.
In cases of suspected stones, infection, or obstruction, treatment would involve short term observation and medications, imaging, and/or treatment. Depending on the situation, kidney stone treatment in Bangalore may involve medication, hydration, and observation or invasive procedures.
How Is Bedwetting in Children Evaluated?
Usually, a pediatric urologist will begin by having a detailed conversation about the child’s symptoms and their daily urinary habits.
The evaluation may involve:
Medical and Urinary history
The next steps for the pediatric urologist may include asking the following questions and adding others as needed:
How frequently does the child wet the bed?
Daytime urination frequency
Urgency and leakage
Bowel habits and constipation
Previous history of urinary infections
Fluid intake
Previous history of completely dry periods
Sleep habits
Physical exam
A clinical exam can better identify symptoms that may represent urinary, neurological, abdominal, or other related issues.
Tests may include:
Urine Precaution
Appropriate tests to evaluate infection, blood in the urine, diabetes, or other urinary issues may be evaluated by a urine test.
Imaging when needed
Ultrasound or other imaging may be indicated depending on the child’s symptoms and the findings of the physical exam to evaluate possible structural or kidney issues.
Child Bedwetting Treatment
Bedwetting treatment is usually dependent on the child’s age, associated symptoms, and any related medical problems.
Encouraging healthy habits may also include the following:
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urination before bedtime
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regular, scheduled periods of urination during the day
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avoiding excess fluids prior to bedtime
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addressing constipation
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a regular bedtime routine
Bedwetting Alarms
For certain children, wearing a bedwetting alarm can be useful for teaching them how to recognize the fullness of their bladder while sleeping. A bedwetting alarm may be a good option after consulting a doctor.
Medicines
Some doctors prescribe medicine for bedwetting only under certain circumstances. Medicine should be taken under doctor’s supervision and should be complemented with proper daily fluid intake.
Treating an Underlying Condition
Constipation, urinary infection, bladder dysfunction, sleep issues, and other medical conditions may be coexisting with bedwetting. In such cases, the focus of treatment will be on the condition(s) besides bedwetting.
For children with diagnosed kidney stones, the treatment will depend on several factors including the size and location of the kidney stones, how bad the child’s symptoms are, and the child’s overall health. Treatment will range from observation and prescribing medicine to the child having a surgery if all other less invasive treatments have failed and surgery is justified.
Recovery and Prevention Tips
Healthy urinary habits in children can be developed by encouraging daytime trips to the toilet, drinking adequate (not excessive) water, being active, having a healthy diet, and going to the toilet just before bedtime. Parents should be supportive and non-judgmental toward accidental urination.
Healthy urinary habits in children can be developed by encouraging daytime trips to the toilet, drinking adequate (not excessive) water, being active, having a healthy diet, and going to the toilet just before bedtime. Parents should be supportive and non-judgmental toward accidental urination.
Why Visit a Pediatric Urologist in Bangalore?
Consulting a pediatric urologist in Bangalore is helpful to both the child and the parents as bedwetting is embarrassing for children, and parents are left without much guidance.
A pediatric urologist in Bangalore aids in determining if normal developmental bedwetting is present. A specialist referral is advised when bedwetting does not resolve, comes back after being dry, happens with daytime symptoms, urinary tract infections, or urinary pain.
For families living in North Bangalore, as well as families living in Thanisandra, Hennur, Yelahanka, Hebbal, and Tirumanahalli, an easier way to tackle ongoing evaluations and follow-ups is to go to a urology hospital in Bangalore.
At Regal Hospital, you will find a multispecialty and advanced kidney care center, which includes urology, nephrology, dialysis, kidney biopsy, kidney transplants, emergency care, and all other medical care services. Parents are encouraged to speak to the doctor about their child’s condition and symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is bedwetting normal?
It is completely normal to wet the bed at night, as it is a developing process and takes time. Bedwetting should not be a long-term concern for a child, especially if symptoms appear during the day time as well.
- When do I need to bring my child to see a pediatric urologist?
Visiting a specialist is warranted if your child is having bedwetting, bedwetting returns after your child is dry, if your child is leaking, if there is pain during urination, if your child has painful urination, if your child aches while urinating, if bedwetting returns, if there are frequent urinary tract infections, or if there are constipation symptoms.
- Can a urinary infection cause bedwetting?
Bedwetting does occur as a symptom of a urinary infection. A urinary infection may also cause frequent urination, painful urination, and an increase in the severity and regularity of bedwetting. A physician may request a urine test to confirm an infection.
- Can bedwetting be caused by kidney stones?
Bedwetting is not a common sign of a kidney stone. If a child is having signs of abdominal or side pain as well as nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, painful urination, these also warrant bringing your child in for an evaluation.
- Is there a treatment for bedwetting?
There is a treatment for bedwetting, and it is based upon the cause of bedwetting. The treatment for bedwetting could be using a behavioral approach, bed and bladder routines, bedwetting alarms, and in certain cases, medication.
Book an Appointment with Regal Hospital
Bedwetting is a very common and manageable problem. It is not something parents need to worry about or feel embarrassed about. If your child has a lot of bedwetting, frequently wets the bed, has painful urination, or any number of other symptoms that are a concern, scheduling an appointment with a pediatric urology specialist may help you with the next set of concerns you have.
Book an Appointment with Regal Hospital
Call us today: +91 888 405 8888
Visit us: Near Thanisandra-Yelahanka Road, Bengaluru
Learn more: www.regalhospital.com
