Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is very common among young children. This is mainly because a child's bladder isn't developed or big enough to store all the urine at night, and most of the time, the brain does not signal the child to wake up when their bladder is full; hence, leading to bedwetting.
However, bedwetting in children shouldn't always be taken lightly, and if they are occurring due to underlying health problems, they should be addressed immediately.
Understanding The Prevalence Of Bedwetting![]()
According to StatPearls Publishing, the prevalence of bedwetting varies with age, with 15% of 7-year-olds, 10% of 10-year-olds, 2% of adolescents, and 0.5-1% of adults being affected by the condition.
Research also notes that bedwetting is more common in boys than in girls, with a ratio of 3 to 1, but this difference tends to decrease after age 10.
Also Read: Bedwetting: Causes And When To See A Doctor
When Does Bedwetting In Children Become A Concern?
Dr Alok Kumar M K, Consultant - Paediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Banashankari, says that bedwetting is common among small kids and typically resolves on its own.
"Parents usually shouldn't be concerned before the age of five or six, as bladder control develops gradually and varies among children," he tells the OnlyMyHealth team.
However, if bedwetting continues consistently beyond the age of seven, parents are advised to consult a doctor. At this point, it may be beneficial to speak with a paediatrician to rule out any medical or emotional factors that could be contributing to the problem, the doctor adds.
Can Bedwetting Indicate An Underlying Health Condition?![]()
"Persistent bedwetting in children can sometimes be linked to underlying medical conditions," says Dr Kumar. These include:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Diabetes
- Chronic constipation
- Sleep apnoea, where a child's breathing is interrupted during sleep
- Neurological or developmental issues that affect bladder control, such as spinal cord abnormalities
Additionally, the likelihood of developing bedwetting can also be influenced by genetic factors. While specific genes haven't been pinpointed, research indicates that it's often inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This means that if one parent has enuresis, there's a 44% chance their child will also develop it. If both parents have enuresis, the risk for their child increases to 77%.
Also Read: Nocturnal Enuresis: Expert Explains Causes Bedwetting, Prevention & Treatment Of Bedwetting
Emotional And Psychological Factors To Blame?
It is also important to note that emotional or psychological stressors, such as significant changes at home or academic and social pressures, can lead to bedwetting.
Dr. Kumar notes that anxiety, fear, or trauma, particularly in older children, can disrupt their normal sleep and bladder control patterns, resulting in nighttime accidents.
Sometimes, bedwetting can also exacerbate feelings of embarrassment or shame, leading to a vicious cycle where emotional distress worsens the problem, the doctor highlights, emphasising the need to address these stressors through emotional support, counselling, or behavioural therapy.
Treatments And Strategies To Manage Chronic Bedwetting![]()
If you’re a parent and have a child experiencing chronic bedwetting, here’s what you can do:
- Behavioural approaches, such as limiting fluid intake in the evening and establishing regular bathroom routines before bed, are often the first steps.
- Bedwetting alarms, which wake children when they start urinating, can be effective in conditioning them to recognise the need to use the bathroom.
- In some cases, medications that reduce urine production or increase bladder capacity may be prescribed; however, consult a doctor before resorting to these medications.
- Address any underlying medical or emotional issues, such as treating a UTI or managing anxiety.
Conclusion
Bedwetting is common among young children. It is usually not a matter of concern if the child is below age five or six. However, if your kid is older than seven years of age and still suffers from chronic bedwetting, address the underlying cause and consult a paediatrician immediately. Depending on the cause of the problem, seek necessary treatments and support your child throughout. Ensure that your child is comfortable reaching out to you when in need, and make sure to make yourself available.