Patient's question:
My son is 9 years old, and he still frequently wets the bed. Is this a medical condition? How can it be treated or prevented?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Based on your description, it is likely enuresis.Treatment for Pediatric Enuresis
Adjust Diet
Drink less water after 4 PM each day. Avoid consuming too much liquid for dinner; opt for foods that are slightly salty and dry. Do not drink water before going to bed (except in summer), and avoid eating watermelon, oranges, pears, or milk to reduce the amount of urine stored in the bladder at night.
Establish a Rational Daily Routine
Maintain a regular schedule for your child’s life, diet, and daily activities. Avoid overexertion or excessive mental stress. It is best to encourage a nap during the day to prevent the child from sleeping too deeply at night, making it difficult for them to wake up for bathroom breaks.
Avoid Overexcitement Before Bed
Develop a habit of going to sleep on time. Do not tease or excite the child before bed, and avoid vigorous physical activity. Refrain from watching thrilling or intense movies or TV shows to prevent overexcitement.
Empty the Bladder Before Going to Bed
Cultivate the habit of completely emptying the bladder before going to bed each night. If possible, take a bath before bed to ensure the child can fall asleep comfortably, which can help reduce bedwetting.
Change Wet Bedding and Clothes Promptly
Keep the child’s bedding clean and warm. Change wet bedding and clothes immediately after urination to prevent the child from sleeping in damp sheets, which can make bedwetting more likely.
It must be noted that enuresis can cause shame, anxiety, fear, and withdrawal in children. If parents disregard the child’s self-esteem and resort to hitting, threatening,