by Diane K. Newman, DNP, FAAN, BCB-PMD
Treatment for bedwetting should be considered only if the child is over six years of age and the bedwetting is disrupting the child's life (for example, the child avoids sleepovers or is being punished for it).
Even though most children outgrow bedwetting, the child should be evaluated and treated if the bedwetting is causing stress and tension. The following is a review of recommended bedwetting treatments.
- Ensure adequate fluid intake
- Children should drink an adequate amount of fluid each day, particularly water, to help increase a low functional bladder capacity. Maintenance fluid recommendations based on weight are:
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100 cc/kg for the first 10 kg of weight
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50 cc/kg for the next 11 to 20 kg of weight
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20 cc/kg for each additional kilogram of weight
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A child's bladder capacity (the amount of urine the bladder can hold) can be determined by measuring the volume of urine voided after the child has held for as long as possible.
A normal bladder capacity is the child's age in years plus 2 ounces. Consuming adequate fluids during the day should help ensure that the child will not be so thirsty in the evening that large quantities of fluid are necessary. Caffeinated beverages and foods (coffee, tea, chocolate, soda) should be avoided in the evening due to their diuretic properties. It may be more helpful to limit the type of fluid consumed in the evening. Children should be encouraged to drink regularly during the day to maintain hydration.
References
1. Berry, AK. Helping Children with Nocturnal Enuresis. AJN. 2006;106(8):58-65.
Last updated August 2009
