In some cases, bedwetting cures or treatments are unnecessary. With time, almost all children outgrow it. Pediatricians and urologists typically suggest delaying treatment until the child is six or seven years old, unless the problem seems to be damaging the child’s self-esteem or their relationship with family or friends.
If treatment is desirable, an alarm may be suggested. A moisture sensor is clipped to the underpants. A cord runs from the senor to an alarm that fastens to the outside of the pajamas. When the unit senses moisture, the alarm sounds, waking the child.
It is believed that the alarms may condition the child to wake up on his or her own when the bladder is full. The treatment may need to be repeated, as there is a relatively high relapse rate.
Parents might be less concerned about how to stop bedwetting if there were less mess. For that reason, absorbent underwear is often recommended as a solution for older children that have yet to develop the ability to stay dry at night.
The cause of the problem may be insufficient production of anti-diuretic hormone. If that is the case, prescription drugs may be bedwetting cures.
Currently in the US, only one tablet is approved for the use. It is called desmopressin and is a synthetic replacement for the anti-diuretic hormone. At one time, a nasal spray was available, but was banned after two children died from an electrolyte imbalance. The tablet is still considered safe for children and adults at appropriate dosages.
Some kinds of anti-depressants are effective, but there are numerous side effects, as well as a high risk of overdose. Because the safety of drug treatment is questionable, they are typically used as a last resort and cannot be considered to be bedwetting cures.
Dry bed training is an approach that has been unproven. Studies1 indicate that it is ineffective. The training consists of waking the child at regular intervals throughout the night. Not only does this interrupt the child’s sleep. It also interrupts the parent’s sleep and may lead to other familial problems.
Hypnotherapy may be how to stop bedwetting, according to some case studies. Several visits with a licensed therapist are usually needed to see results. During the initial visit, the therapist typically explains how the bladder works and then uses a hypnotic suggestion, telling the children that the brain will wake them when their bladders are full.
Treatments for underlying health or emotional problems are sometimes bedwetting cures. Bladder abnormalities, urinary tract infection or diabetes could be the real problem. A pediatrician would likely check for those physical conditions if they are suspected.
When a child returns to wetting the bed after a long period of staying dry, there may be a psychological cause. A psychotherapist trained in hypnosis would look for underlying psychological issues during the initial visit and make a decision about whether or not hypnosis is how to stop bedwetting in that case.
Snoring and enlarged tonsils or adenoids are sometimes associated with wetting the bed, as is sleep apnea. In sleep apnea, a person stops breathing for an unusually long period of time or misses several breaths in a row. A parent or sleep partner will usually notice the problem, as the child or adult is unaware of its occurrence.
Food allergies may be part of the cause, although the link is not well-established. Caffeine consumption is known to be a contributing factor, as the stimulant increases the production of urine. In adults, alcohol consumption may be the underlying problem.
Chronic constipation may be the cause, because full bowels put pressure on the bladder, reducing its capacity to hold urine.
As you can see, there are many possible causes. Thus, there are many potential bedwetting cures.
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