BED WETTING (ENURESIS)

This is a disorder whereby one passes urine in bed while asleep without being aware. It is often a common problem with young children which sometimes may continue into adolescent age. Urination is controlled by the brain system which also works on the muscles of the bladder where urine is stored and on the adjoining muscles within the pelvis region, this activity of the brain enables the muscles to tighten up and relax so that one can hold up urine and pass it out when it is right time. This action is not fully developed in children, but with appropriate and early bowel and bladder training, good urination habit can be cultivated and maintained. If bed wetting continues regularly after the age of 10 years it will be a good idea to seek medical advice so as to prevent long term effect and complications. 

FACTORS THAT CAN INDUCE BED WETTING INCLUDE:

•   Structural or organic defects on the urinary organs from the kidneys down to the urethra 
•  Neurological defect which may interfere with nervous activities and control of the bladder muscles. 
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• Night fever or other feverish effects and discomfort 
• Disease conditions of adults like diabetes, kidney disorders and others which may increase urine production and flow 
• Emotional and psychological conditions which may interfere with normal behaviors 
• Fears of any kind 
• Increase fluid intake especially if taken late at night 
• Old age processes where there may be loss or reduced muscle control and activities 
• May run in the family

Most children out grow bed wetting habits with time but certain measures may be necessary to be applied to help control the habit. 

• Allow the child gets the needed daily fluid intake but this should stop 2-3hours before bedtime. 
• Encourage the child to use the toilet before going to bed and as much as possible wake the child up during the night to urinate. 
• Do not continue using diapers on the grown-up child who bed wets so that he/she does not get used to it and it becomes convenient and normal for urination habits. 
• Use mackintosh covers to protect the mattress and maintain cleanliness and sanitation all around the area. 
• Do not embarrass the child by applying punishments or name-callings which may further result in emotional and psychological problems – it is best to explain the situation clearly and gain the child’s confidence to cooperate and respond to instructions that will help out. 
• Seek appropriate medical attention if there are other unusual or abnormal behaviours noticed. 
• For the adults, depending on the cause or condition, apply all necessary measures to reduce complications, discomfort and embarrassment both to the person and all those around. Adequate medical attention should be sought and given for existing health disorders and diseases. 

Management of Bed-wetting cases requires the cooperation of everyone concerned so, it is best to help out as much as possible. 

Original write-up by Mrs. C. E. Akuwudike