Patient's question:
My daughter is 2 and a half years old. She usually urinates 2 to 3 times at night. She goes to sleep around 9 o'clock and wakes up at about 8 o'clock in the morning. Is this considered pediatric enuresis? How can pediatric enuresis be prevented? What should be paid attention to in diet when preventing pediatric enuresis?Doctor's answer:
The causes of enuresis in children include:1. Genetic factors: Enuresis has a genetic predisposition.
2. Deep sleep: This is a common cause. Some children play too tired before bed, sleep deeply, and are difficult to wake up. If they drink a lot before bed, it is more likely to cause bedwetting.
3. Delayed bladder maturation: Some children have smaller bladders than normal, so they urinate more frequently but with smaller amounts of urine. Sometimes, even when there is little urine in the bladder, it contracts and urinates.
4. Psychological stress: Some children are easily stressed, especially those experiencing family discord, parents' divorce, loss of parents, or child abuse. These children have a significantly higher chance of bedwetting. However, this type of enuresis is often temporary and may gradually disappear as their spirits ease and emotions stabilize.
5. Medical factors: Cases of enuresis caused by organic diseases are uncommon. Urinary tract infections, malformations, spina bifida, and meningocele can all lead to bedwetting. Additionally, asymptomatic bacteriuria and hypercalciuria can also cause enuresis, and parents should pay attention.
6. Endocrine factors: In normal human bodies, arginine vasopressin (AVP) is secreted at night. It is an antidiuretic hormone that reduces nighttime urine production. The peak secretion occurs around 1–2 a.m., making it harder for the bladder to fill and trigger the urge to urinate, allowing for peaceful sleep throughout the night. The secretion weakens by morning. If a child lacks this hormone, it can also cause enuresis.