Normally, most of the children manage to keep their urine between 2-4 years old both day and night as a result of both the effect of toilet training and the development of bladder capacity. Night-wetting is often the result of a delay in bladder development, so its frequency decreases with age. When evaluated according to gender, it is seen that boys experience more wetting problems than girls. Families begin to deal with this problem around the ages of 5-6 and often seek help from doctors at the age of 7-8.
The causes of urinary incontinence can be physiological or emotional. If the problem is not solved with changes such as restriction of fluid intake, avoidance of carbonated drinks, you should seek expert support for other underlying causes. Urinary tract infections, chronic constipation, sleep problems, or excessive stress can lead to this condition.
Enuresis can be seen day or night. Although it is a worrying situation, families should be patient and remember that this is not the child’s fault. The child consciously does not pass urine and there are many ways to prevent this situation.
Urinary incontinence may be more common in children who have constipation problems, have no habit of going to the toilet regularly, have differences in physical development, and have anxiety problems. Due to the stressful situation caused by urinary incontinence, psychological problems arising from enuresis such as anxiety and self-confidence also arise. Getting expert support when needed will positively affect your child’s physiological and mental health.
Urinary incontinence itself may be a symptom of different diseases rather than a disease. Therefore, if your child has such a complaint, it is important to consult your physician so that the underlying causes can be evaluated.
A large group (90-95%) of children wetting at night gather in the physiological wetting group. It is reported that these children feel inadequate bladder filling at night, their bladder capacities are small and their sleep depths are high. Problems such as diabetes, kidney diseases, and bladder diseases are detected in 2-3% of children who get wet. In addition, genetic causes are also important.
One or More of the Following Reasons May Cause This Situation:
- Urinary incontinence in the mother or father
- The child’s bladder muscles are not yet mature
- Excessive fatigue or consuming too much fluid before bedtime
- Structural problems in kidney and urinary tract
- Stress and anxiety problems (desire to attract attention for reasons such as family problems, changing home or school, joining the family with new siblings or envy of siblings)
- Emotional problems (Parental indifference or excessive attention, accidents or shocks experienced)
- Pressure during toilet training
- Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Constipation pressing on the bladder
- Diabetes (Diabetes)
- During the sleep, the body does not produce enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
- Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
- Overactive bladder syndrome
- Small bladder
- Failure to feel the bladder is full while sleeping
- Urinary tract infections
