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Enuresis in children: what to do?
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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The problem of urinary incontinence in children is a common phenomenon, however, children suffer because of it and parents are very worried.
First, parents should figure out whether this problem has appeared recently or wet sheets are a common occurrence. These situations are very different and are called primary and secondary enuresis. Each of them requires its own approach and treatment.
The causes of secondary enuresis are usually associated with stress and psychological trauma, which is why fewer children suffer from secondary enuresis. However, determining the causes of primary enuresis can be much more difficult.
According to scientists, primary enuresis can be caused by a similar problem in one of the parents or by genetic reasons. There is an assumption that urinary incontinence is a consequence of a delay in the development of the baby's nervous system. Even in sleep with a full bladder, the brain sends signals that do not allow the bladder to empty. If the child's nervous system is underdeveloped enough, these signals may be too weak.
This problem needs to be addressed and the first thing you need to do is tell your pediatrician about it.
Many parents feel awkward and therefore keep silent about the problem in the hope that after a while, when the baby grows up, everything will resolve itself. However, in order to exclude all medical causes, it is better not to delay the conversation.
A urine test can help detect a possible urinary tract infection or excess sugar.
In addition, a specialist examination may reveal the presence of, for example, constipation, which can create pressure on the bladder and cause involuntary urination. There are also cases when children are found to have sleep apnea, during which breathing stops for a short time, which can provoke urination.
The help of a psychologist may be needed if the child witnessed an event that shocked him.
Consultations with a psychologist will help correct the consequences of what you have experienced.
The problem of bedwetting in children can be dealt with in several ways. One of them is to install a special humidity sensor that wakes the child up at the right time.
You can also wake up your child a few hours after he goes to bed and take him to the toilet.
If the child is not thirsty, then you can limit fluid intake before bedtime, and also conduct drug therapy with agents that reduce urine production at night. However, before starting to take the drug, you should consult a doctor.
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