Quite often, parents are faced with a problem such as enuresis in a child. This is a common disorder that is associated with urinary incontinence (usually at night).
To begin with, it is worth noting that there are several varieties of this disease. For example, there is constant incontinence - this is a rare disease that is associated with a violation of the nervous regulation of the functions of the bladder. But more common is nocturnal enuresis, when the baby simply does not wake up during urination. Such a problem can have both physiological and psychological reasons.
What is enuresis?
Enuresis is a disorder associated with uncontrolled urine output. As a rule, up to 3 to 4 years, the mechanism for controlling urination is fully formed. In some children, this problem remains until the age of 12. Only 1% of people suffer this condition in adolescence. It is worth noting that boys suffer from such a violation twice as often as girls.
Enuresis in a child can take two forms:
- primary incontinence - children with this problem have not learned how to control urination, so they wake up wet regularly;
- secondary enuresis is observed if after three years the child has already woken up at night to go to the toilet, but for one reason or another has lost control of urination.
In treatment it is very important to determine the cause of incontinence - this is the only way to find the best treatment options.
Enuresis in a child: what is the reason?
As already mentioned, urinary incontinence can be associated both with physiological disorders and with the state of mental health.
- Recent studies have shown that in children with enuresis, the secretion of the antidiuretic hormone, vasopressin, is impaired. This substance is secreted by the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Thanks to it, the volume of urine decreases at night. In children with incontinence, the secretion of this hormonal substance is impaired.
- In some cases, the disease may be associated with fetal hypoxia during pregnancy - in such cases, there is a delay in the development of the central nervous system and, accordingly, centers for regulating urination.
- The causes include frequent or chronic diseases of the urethra.
- It is noted that enuresis exacerbates during inflammatory and infectious diseases, as well as during hypothermia.
- However, very often the disease is associated with the mental state of the baby. Any emotional trauma can cause enuresis in a child. This may be, for example, relocation, change of environment (new kindergarten, school), divorce of parents, loss of a pet, tense situation in the family, etc.
How to cure enuresis?
The choice of treatment methods depends on the cause of the problem. If the incontinence is caused by physiological changes or some kind of disease, then the appropriate drugs are prescribed. Some doctors also recommend that you carefully monitor the amount of urination, limit the amount of fluid you drink in the evening.
It is much more difficult to cope with the problem if enuresis is caused by the emotional state of the baby. In such cases, it is necessary to gently find out from the child the cause of the discontent, discomfort or fear. Occupation with a psychologist is sometimes necessary. But always remember that incontinence is a very painful topic for the child, and therefore, in no case should you scold or shame him, since the additional psychological burden is unlikely to help treatment.