DOCTOR, MY SON BEDWETS
Bedwetting is common and often runs in families. It can be upsetting, but most children and young people will grow out of it. See a GP or school nurse for advice.
Mrs Rita: I am tired of having the bedroom smell all day, tired of washing bedsheets everyday and drying mattress whenever the sun comes out.
Dr, my son is 9 years old, yet he bed wets. What can be done please?
Dr Kelly; madam, I understand how you feel. You need to calm down and help your son go through this stigmatizing phase of his life.
There are many reasons why a child might wet the bed. Causes include:
- not feeling the need to pee while sleeping
- making too much pee at night
- stress at home or at school
Bedwetting may also be caused by an underlying health condition such as diabetes or constipation.
Here are some tips that will be of great help.
- give your child enough water to drink during the day
- make sure your child goes to the toilet regularly, around 4 to 7 times a day, including just before bedtime
- agree with your child on rewards for positive actions, such as a present for every time they use the toilet before bed
- use waterproof covers on their mattress and duvet
- make sure they have easy access to a toilet at night
- do not punish your child – it is not his fault and punishing him can make bedwetting worse
- do not give your child drinks containing caffeine, such as cola, tea and coffee – this can make them pee more
- do not regularly wake or carry your child in the night to use the toilet – this will not help in the long term
If after doing this for a long period of time (at least 06 months) you still do not notice any positive change, get back to us for further management