Day Wetting

Is your child struggling with daytime accidents? Should you be worried?

What is Day Wetting?

Daytime wetting, or diurnal enuresis, is the involuntary loss of urine during the day in children who are old enough to be toilet trained. While occasional accidents are normal, persistent daytime wetting can be a sign of an underlying issue. It’s important to understand the different types of daytime wetting and their potential causes to seek appropriate help.

What Does It Look Like?

Daytime wetting can show up in different ways:

  • Overactive Bladder (OAB): The bladder muscles contract excessively, leading to urgency and potential leakage.
  • Giggle Incontinence: Urine leakage triggered by laughter or giggling.
  • Urgency: A sudden, intense urge to urinate, often resulting in accidents.
  • Frequency: Urinating more often than typical for the child’s age.
  • Painful Urination: Discomfort or pain experienced during urination.

Potential Causes

Several factors can contribute to daytime wetting:

  • Bladder Dysfunction:
  • Small Bladder Capacity: The bladder may not hold an adequate amount of urine.
  • Poor Bladder Sensation: Difficulty sensing a full bladder.
  • OAB: As mentioned above, this involves frequent, uncontrolled bladder contractions.

Bowel Dysfunction:

  • Constipation: A full rectum can press on the bladder, reducing its capacity.
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs can irritate the bladder and cause increased urgency and frequency.
  • Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or neurological issues, can contribute to bladder control problems.

Behavioural and Lifestyle Factors:

  • Holding On: Habitually delaying urination can lead to bladder overfilling and accidents.
  • Inadequate Fluid Intake: Dehydration can concentrate urine and irritate the bladder.
  • Stress and Anxiety: Stressful life events can sometimes trigger daytime wetting.
  • Developmental Delays: Some children may take longer to develop bladder control.

When to Seek Help

If your child is experiencing persistent daytime wetting, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can help identify the underlying causes and develop a personalized treatment plan to help them achieve bladder control.

  • Consider making an appointment if:
  • Your child is 5 years or older with frequent accidents.
  • Daytime wetting is impacting their self-esteem or social life.
  • At-home strategies haven’t been effective.
  • You have concerns about other bladder or bowel issues.

Make a booking with us today.

We’re here to provide support and guidance every step of the way.
Remember: Daytime wetting is a common issue, and with the right support, most children can overcome it!