Enuresis - Specialists and information

Children only learn to control their bladder - and therefore the urge to urinate - after some time. It is therefore quite normal for children to sometimes wet themselves during the night. This phase can last until the age of five. However, if children continue to wet themselves after this period, this is known as enuresis. This is not usually a cause for concern, as parents can often get the symptoms under control quickly. It is important to determine the reasons with a pediatrician in order to find a suitable therapy.

What is enuresis?

Enuresis is best described as "bedwetting".

Basically, there are several different forms:

• Primary enuresis occurs when the child is older than 5 years and has never been dry.
• Secondary enuresis occurs when the child has been dry for more than six months and then wets the bed again.

Experts also differentiate between monosymptomatic enuresis and non-monosymptomatic enuresis:

• In the monosymptomatic variant, the child only wets at night and shows no other symptoms.
• In the non-monosymptomatic variant, wetting may also occur during the day. This may be accompanied by other symptoms that indicate a bladder dysfunction.

How does enuresis develop?

There are various reasons that can cause this symptom:

• On the one hand, it can be a harmless, delayed development. If this is the case, the child will be dry a little later than the medical statistics suggest.
• There may be physical causes: Such as a disorder of fluid-regulating hormones, a bladder that is too small or general late development of the bladder.
• Mental factors often play a role in enuresis. Especially if secondary enuresis is present. If a child has been dry before and is suddenly wetting again, this can be a sign of psychological problems . Strokes of fate, changes in the family environment or other events that put a strain on the psyche can be responsible for enuresis.

Enuresis affects 30% of children at 4 years, 10% at 7 years, 3% at 12 years and 1% at 18 years (Source: MSD Manual) @ Tomsickova /AdobeStock

Treatment of enuresis

If bedwetting occurs after the age of five, a doctor should determine the causes.

Primary enuresis may simply be a developmental disorder that can be physical or hormonal. This means that no treatment is necessary as these factors usually regulate themselves. Statistics show that enuresis decreases by around 15 percent each year after the age of five. Nevertheless, caution is advised: Naturally, children become ashamed of bedwetting the older they get. This can lead to psychological pressure or even abnormal behavior.

If your child continues to wet the bed after the age of five, you should have your child thoroughly examined. Parents should not wait and see a pediatrician.

A consultation with a doctor can reassure you as a parent and create a relaxed atmosphere for your child. After all, parents and children suffer equally from enuresis. As a parent, don't blame yourself and don't be ashamed of your child.

Instead, reward your child when they have not wet themselves. Make sure that your child does not quench their thirst in the evening. This is because the bladder is overloaded during the night.

Observe the situation and make sure that your child drinks enough during the day.

If you suspect that your child's enuresis has psychological causes, consult a child psychologist.

Possible treatment methods for enuresis are

• Advice from a doctor
• Marking the "dry" days with a reward
• Creating a relaxing atmosphere
• Talking to a child psychologist if necessary

Prognosis for enuresis

Although one percent of adults still wet themselves, the prognosis for enuresis is good. A few measures can often help to get enuresis under control.