Treatments for Bed-Wetters
Parents of children who wet the bed can get frustrated, especially if the only support they receive is from friends and doctors who say, “He’ll grow out of it.†A free informational program on Monday at UCLA Clark / Morrison Children’s Urological Center focuses on much more than tincture of time. At the 90-minute program, which starts at 7 p.m., parents will hear that:
* Genetics plays a role. If both parents had the condition, there is a 77% chance that their child will too.
* Maturation can have an effect. Up to 10% of 5-year-olds suffer, boys more often than girls. Each year, 15% get over it by themselves. Children should be at least 6 before bed-wetting is considered a problem needing treatment.
* Bed-wetting is not viewed by most experts as a psychological or emotional problem.
* After ruling out infections or disease, treatment options include eliminating caffeine, increasing bladder capacity by timing of fluid intake, prescribing a nasal spray that reduces urine output and using bed alarms that sense moisture.
* A child’s self-esteem can be raised if parents give positive reinforcement for dry nights and follow other suggestions.
For program reservations, call (310) 206-9717.
Sources: Dr. Bernard Churchill, director, and Dale Perry, nurse-practitioner, UCLA Clark / Morrison Children’s Urological Center; Medical Update newsletter.
