Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is involuntary urination while asleep after the age at which staying dry at night can be reasonably expected.
Symptoms:
Involuntary urination during sleep, typically in children over 5 years old
Diagnosis:
Physical exam, urine tests, voiding diary to track patterns, and in some cases, bladder ultrasound
Medicine:
Desmopressin, anticholinergic medications like oxybutynin
Treatment:
Behavioral interventions (bedwetting alarms, bladder training), medication, and in some cases, addressing underlying psychological factors.
Prevention:
Limiting fluid intake before bedtime, bladder training exercises, and using moisture alarms to condition the brain-bladder connection during sleep.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
What causes bedwetting? How can bedwetting be treated? Is bedwetting a sign of a medical problem? How is bedwetting diagnosed? Can bedwetting be prevented?