Bedwetting – Eneuresis

Nocturnal enuresis is the medical term for bedwetting. Most children wet the bed occasionally or even nightly during the potty-training years. In fact, it is estimated that seven million children in the United States wet their beds on a regular basis. Controlling bladder function during sleep is usually the last stage of potty-training. In others words, it is normal for children to wet the bed while sleeping during that learning process. Bedwetting is typically not even considered to be a problem until after age 5.

There are both primary and secondary forms of bedwetting. With primary bedwetting, the child has never had nighttime control over urination. The secondary form is less common and refers to bedwetting that occurs after the child has been dry during sleep for 6 or more months. Secondary bedwetting may be caused by psychological stress but may be the result of an underlying medical condition such as constipation or urinary tract obstruction. With secondary bedwetting, contact your doctor for an evaluation.

Bedwetting after the age of 5 is caused by sleep related breathing disorders the majority of the time. If your child suffers from bedwetting after the age of 5, your child will benefit from a visit. Dr. Tamez’s pediatric experience is extensive.