Most children gain the capacity to hold in their urine while they're sleeping, but for some, bed wetting is an inconvenience that lasts through adolescence. Although it may be an embarrassment for affected teens, it isn't entirely uncommon. According to KidsHealth online, between one and two of every 100 teens experiences some form of enuresis--involuntary urination--and some only experience it only at night.
Types
Enuresis may occur in the day (diurnal enuresis) or at night (nocturnal enuresis,) but nighttime bed wetting may be separated into two categories: primary and secondary. An adolescent with primary nocturnal enuresis has been wetting the bed since infancy. Secondary nocturnal enuresis affects teens who started bed wetting six months to many years after they learned bladder control.
Causes
Nocturnal enuresis may be caused by hormonal problems, bladder problems, sleep problems such as an inability to wake easily, medical conditions such as diabetes and urinary tract infections, psychological problems such as stress, and a genetic predisposition. KidsHealth online says nocturnal enuresis is twice as common in males and often associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Symptoms
Nocturnal enuresis occurs when urine is released involuntarily during sleep. Other symptoms indicate an underlying condition. The Mayo Clinic says bed wetting accompanied by other problems, such as burning upon urination, weight loss, fatigue, unusual thirst, increased volume of urine, pink urine or snoring may require further treatment.
Prevention
Many teens with nocturnal enuresis have developed the condition due to genetic predisposition or developmental condition, so they may not be able to fully prevent it. On the other hand, there may be some ways to lessen chances of bed wetting. For example, affected teens may be able to perform bladder-strengthening exercise such as holding in urine for lengths of time in the daytime to increase bladder capacity and bladder strength. Other ways to lessen chances of bed wetting include drinking less liquid and avoiding caffeine before bedtime, using positive "dry sleep" imagery, and using bed wetting alarms that sound when wetting has begun.
Treatments
Occasionally, a doctor may treat nocturnal enuresis with medication. For example, a teen whose bed wetting is linked to a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) may get a synthetic form of ADH to decrease how much urine builds up in the bladder during the night. Another medication allows the bladder to relax and expand without releasing urine as readily. So far, no medication has been able to act as a permanent cure.
