What Are the Signs that We Might Need a Doctor’s Help?
Occasional bedwetting is common, and typically does not have a negative impact on children. If your child is wetting the bed often, it can cause embarrassment and shame. Your child may avoid social activities such as slumber parties.
The good news is that treatment is available for children who are motivated to stop wetting the bed. Children who overcome bedwetting often have a much brighter outlook on life than they did before. They develop a greater sense of self-confidence and flourish in other areas of their lives.
Children younger than 7 usually lack the desire and maturity to focus on a bedwetting program. But if your child is at least 6 years old, still wets the bed and wants to do something about it, it may be time to seek help.
The first person to call is your child’s pediatrician. They will provide a complete physical and run some simple tests to rule out problems such as diabetes or a urinary tract infection. If these tests arenormal, the doctor may refer you to a pediatric urology practice, where doctors and nurse practitioners specialize in treating children who have problems with their urinary system.
Are There Additional Tests that a Pediatric Urology Provider Might Order?
The most important and valuable test that a pediatric urology provider uses to diagnose bedwetting is something families do at home: keep a “voiding diary.” A voiding diary is a log that parents use to record what their child drinks and when they empty their bladder over the course of 2-3 days.
The pediatric urology provider may also order a post-void residual assessment (PVR). This simple ultrasound test can show how much urine is left in the bladder after the child urinates.
These tests help the doctor narrow down the cause of bedwetting and develop a treatment plan.
Can Bedwetting be a Sign of an Underlying Medical Problem?
Very rarely, bedwetting is a sign of an “acute” problem that requires immediate treatment, such as a urinary tract infection or undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes. Contact your child’s pediatrician if your child:
- Suddenly starts wetting the bed after being consistently dry for at least six months
- Begins to wet their pants during the day
- Snores at night
- Complains of a burning sensation or pain when urinating
- Has to urinate often
- Is drinking or eating much more than usual
- Has swelling of the feet or ankles