Nocturnal urination can be defined as the involuntary exit of urine from the bladder to the outside of the body during the night. The chance of nocturnal urination increases in children compared to adults. To learn about the causes and treatment of nocturnal urination in children, follow the following article.
Home remedies for bedwetting in children
Most children get rid of bedwetting on their own. If treatment is needed, you can discuss the options with your doctor and determine the best option for your situation. Some lifestyle changes can help your child get rid of nocturnal enuresis. The following are the most important of these changes: [1]
Limit fluid intake in the evening. Be sure to encourage your child to drink an adequate amount of fluids during the day and in the afternoon, and to reduce fluid intake before bedtime. It is worth noting the importance of your child getting enough fluids if he exercises in the evening.
Avoid soft drinks and foods containing caffeine. Caffeine and soft drinks stimulate the bladder to produce more urine, so it is recommended to avoid them in the afternoon.
Encouraging your child to go to the bathroom regularly during the day, especially during the evening, can encourage your child to go to the bathroom more frequently.
Encourage emptying the bladder before bed. Encourage your child to go to the bathroom before bedtime and before going to bed. You can also remind your child that it is okay to go to the bathroom at night if necessary.
Medical treatments for nocturnal enuresis in children
The doctor resorts to pharmacological treatments if the previous methods fail to treat nocturnal enuresis in children. Here are some types of medications used to treat this condition. [2]
Desompressin
Desmopressin is used to slow urine production at night. The doctor should educate parents about the importance of avoiding consuming large amounts of fluids with this treatment. Consuming a large amount of water may result in your child developing what is known as water poisoning, which is a medical condition in which the patient suffers from high blood pressure. The percentage of water in the blood, this condition may result in serious complications. Be sure to consult a doctor if you notice your child has nausea, vomiting or headaches. It is worth noting the importance of avoiding the use of this drug for those under the age of five.
Anticholinergics
This treatment is the best option for children who suffer from overactive bladder, neurogenic bladder, or dysfunctional urination. The principle of action of these drugs is to reduce bladder contractions and increase the bladder's ability to hold urine.
It is important to note and avoid the use of anticholinergics if your child has symptoms such as fever, because one of the effects of anticholinergics is decreased sweating, and it is recommended to use them with caution in children who engage in aerobic exercise or any exercise that involves excessive sweating.
Imipramine
Some studies indicated that the use of imipramine in a dose of 25 milligrams for children aged 6-8 years, and a dose of 50-75 milligrams for older children helped reduce nocturia in children. Despite the effectiveness of the treatment in reducing nocturnal urination, an increase in the number of urination times was observed when the treatment was discontinued. Despite its effectiveness, it may cause some side effects