Enuresis (Bed Wetting)

Children who can control their bladders during the day, but who have never been dry at night for at least a six-month period, have what is known as primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE), the most common form of bed-wetting. Enuresis ("en-yur-ee-sis") is the medical term for bed-wetting during sleep. Bed-wetting is fairly common. About 5 million to 7 million children wet the bed. It's more common among boys than girls.

 
How does Enuresis Develop?

Some of the causes of bed-wetting include the following:

  • Genetic factors (it tends to run in families)
  • Difficulties waking up from sleep
  • Slower than normal development of the central nervous system--this reduces the child's ability to stop the bladder from emptying at night
  • Hormonal factors (not enough antidiuretic hormone--this hormone reduces the amount of urine made by the kidneys)
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Abnormalities in the urethral valves in boys or in the ureter in girls or boys
  • Abnormalities in the spinal cord
  • Inability to hold urine for a long time because of small bladder

Bed-wetting isn't caused by drinking too much before bedtime. It's not a mental or behavior problem. It doesn't happen because the child is too lazy to get out of bed to go to the bathroom. And children do not wet the bed on purpose or to irritate their parents.

 
What are the Symptoms of Enuresis?

In primary nocturnal enuresis, children have never achieved complete nighttime control. They have always wet the bed at least two times a month.

As a result, these children may suffer significant psychological stress and develop feelings of low self-esteem (including feelings of shame, inferiority, and fear of being discovered by others).

These are the result, not the cause, of PNE.

Families of bed-wetters can experience disturbed sleep, turmoil, and a drain on energy and resources.

Discover why we believe that natural treatments are the best way to treat enuresis.

Modern Medicines Approach to Enuresis (Bed Wetting)

A variety of effective solutions are available, alone or in combination. Different solutions work better for different children. Conditioning therapies involve one of several bed-wetting alarms. Specific exercises can be done to strengthen the nighttime resting tone of the sphincter muscles.

The most common form of treatment includes medications, such as the DDAVP tablet. DDAVP can be used briefly for special occasions, such as sleepovers or vacations. It can also be used as a long-term bridge to dryness. The dose should be tapered every 3 to 6 months to see if the child will remain dry.

Sometimes combinations of medicines are necessary, but with the right approach for the right child, most school-age children can be dry within 12 weeks. But medicines aren't a cure for bed-wetting. One kind of medicine helps the bladder hold more urine, and the other kind helps the kidneys make less urine. The problem is that medicines all too often have detrimental side effects that may cause more harm than good.

 
The Natural Approach to Enuresis

For those who have been suffering from enuresis and have been treated medically, they may be noticing that in the last several years, despite the fact that you are taking regular medication as per your doctor’s advise, your dose must be increasing and with this instead of reduction of your problems they must be increasing or getting complicated.

Chiropractic has been proven to help those who suffer from “Bed Wetting” or Enuresis.

Chiropractic management of primary nocturnal enuresis. Reed WR, Beavers S, Reddy SK, Kern G. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1994 (Nov-Dec); 17 (9): 596-600.

Nocturnal enuresis: treatment implication for the chiropractor. Kreitz, B.G. Aker, P.D., J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1994 (Sep);17 (7): 465-473

Chiropractic care of children with nocturnal enuresis: a prospective outcome study. LeBouf C, Brown P, Herman A et al. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1991 (Feb);14 (2): 110-115

Functional nocturnal enuresis. Blomerth PR. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1994 (Jun);17 (5): 335-338

If you are interested in more information about natural treatments or to schedule an appointment, please contact Central Health and Wellness at 972-671-5263 or use the online Inquiry Form.
 


Recommended Services: Chiropractic Care

 
Disclaimer: The preceding is to provide information about enuresis relief and the benefits that may be derived. It is not intended to claim a cure for any disease or condition. It should not take the place of your doctor’s advice or treatment. 
 
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