Tips to Control Bed-Wetting

Previously published in Examiner

Part 4 of the bed-wetting series

Most Montrealers complain they do not get enough sleep. Yet, sleep affects are physical and mental health. Not having enough sleep affects our mood, our stamina, our home-life and career, and our social relationships.

Sleep is an important human function which is essential for good physical health and good mental health. Even though sleep is so important many Montrealers take sleeping for granted. They either sleep too much or more often than not, sleep less than is recommended for good health. Montrealers will catnap rather than sleep, burn the midnight oil studying, play on the computer, or just insist that they are too busy too sleep.

Conditions that affect sleep, our health, and mental health include such topics as bed-wetting. For the adult it is embarrassing and for the child it is also embarrassing, let us not forget that. Also some Montreal parents who have bed-wetters are frustrated, angry, or at a loss to know what to do.

Bladder stretching exercises to control bed-wetting

Bladder stretching exercises are designed to strengthen the bladder so that it can hold a larger volume of urine; therefore, reducing the frequency for emptying the bladder.

Bed-wetting medications

Pediatricians may prescribe certain medications such as Imipramine brand name Tofrinil or antidiuretics such as desmopressin acetate (DDAVP). A study conducted in 2009 showed that ibuprofen (advil or Motrin can help strengthen the bladder muscle (detrusor muscle).

Prevalence for secondary enuresis

This form of bed-wetting is very rare with only 2 '" 3 percent of children suffering from it.

Causes for secondary bed-wetting

• Urinary track infections
• Diabetes and other metabolic disorders
• Rectal stool mass or other pressures put upon the bladder from external sources
• Spinal Chord disorders
• Secondary bed-wetting diagnosis

The doctor will take a complete history of the child and perform a physical. He or she will order an urinalysis and urine culture. Other radiological and laboratory tests may be required.

Treatment for secondary bed-wetting

Treatment will depend upon the underlying cause of the bed-wetting as this problem must be addressed in order for the bed-wetting to stop.

Prognosis

Regardless of whether the condition is primary or secondary bed-wetting, can be managed. With primary bed-wetting the condition disappears with age. However, with secondary bed-wetting the bed-wetting may not stop; depending upon what medical condition is causing it. However, parents and children can learn to deal with the situation with a little counseling and medical support.

Sources:

http://www.medicinenet.com/bedwetting/article.htm