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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Enuresis: Treatment & Monitoring
      Category : Health Centers > Urinary System & Kidneys

Enuresis

Alternate Names : Bedwetting, Bladder Incontinence, Loss of Bladder Control, Uncontrollable Urination

Enuresis | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment of enuresis falls into three categories. These are behavioral, medication, and counseling. Usually more than one treatment is used at a time.

Behavioral treatment includes:

  • behavioral rewards for achieving bladder control
  • bladder training, such as bladder stretching exercises to gradually increase the size of the bladder
  • conditioning methods, such as using a bedwetting alarm that awakens the child if the bed gets wet
  • decreasing evening fluids
  • teaching the child to attend and respond to bladder sensations at night
  • Medication is not the first treatment choice. It is often not used at all. Medication is used only when the problem interferes with the child's ability to function or only for special occasions.

    Counseling alone is rarely effective. A behavioral treatment regime needs to be established. Managing family stress and tension is important.

    What are the side effects of the treatments?

    Medications used to treat enuresis may cause allergic reactions. One drawback to medications is that the bedwetting typically returns when the medication is stopped.

    What happens after treatment for the condition?

    Once the child has regained control over his urination, the problem is generally resolved. However, factors such as stress or another urinary tract infection may cause another episode of enuresis.

    How is the condition monitored?

    Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.


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    Enuresis: Prevention & Expectations

     

    Enuresis: Attribution

    Author: Terry Mason, MPH
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 08/06/01









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    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006