Do medical disorders cause enuresis(bedwetting)?

Condition analysis:
If a child has primary bedwetting, a medical problem is unlikely to be the cause of the wetting. However, if a child has secondary bedwetting, a medical problem may be the culprit. Disorders that can cause bedwetting include urinary tract infections, diabetes, sickle cell disease, snoring that interferes with a child’s breathing, and certain neurological disorders. These conditions can be readily be identified for by your doctor.

Another factor, which is often overlooked by doctors and parents alike, is constipation. Because the rectum is located behind the bladder, constipation can interfere with bladder emptying or the way the bladder signals the brain that a child needs to go. This can lead to both daytime and nighttime wetting episodes.

Instructions:
Limit how much your child drinks in the evening. It's important to get enough fluids, so there's no need to limit how much your child drinks in a day. However, encourage your child to focus on drinking liquids in the morning and early afternoon, which may reduce thirst in the evening. But don't limit evening fluids if your child participates in sports practice or games in the evenings.

Avoid beverages and foods with caffeine. Beverages with caffeine are discouraged for children at any time of day. Because caffeine may stimulate the bladder, it's especially discouraged in the evening.

Encourage double voiding before bed. Double voiding is urinating at the beginning of the bedtime routine and then again just before falling asleep. Remind your child that it's OK to use the toilet during the night if needed. Use small night lights, so your child can easily find the way between the bedroom and bathroom.