The decision about when to start treatment should be guided by the degree of concern and motivation on the part of the child rather than the parents. It is generally not required before the age of seven years. It is easier to reassure if one of the parents also had the problem.
General advice is given to all enuretic children. However, as parents, to help your child achieve dry nights, you can try these suggestions:
- Never punish, criticize or blame the child.
- Encourage and praise the child for dry nights. Giving reward or putting stars in their note book can help.
- Encourage the child to pass urine before going to bed even if he does not have the urge to do so.
- Limit the intake of liquids in the last 2 hours before bed time. It is recommended to take 40% of the fluid requirement of the whole day in the morning, 40% in the afternoon and 20% in the evening.
- Avoid caffeine based drinks (tea, coffee, cola, etc.)
- Place a rubber or plastic sheet under bed sheets.
- Alarm therapy : is labour intensive but rewarding on long term basis (effectivity of 60-70 %) with few adverse effects.
- Drug therapy (desmopressin) : has great short term results.
Post content drafted by Dr Kanav Anand. Pediatric Nephrologist. Sir Gangaram Hospital
Next post: Role of Desmopressin
Post Pic Credits : indianexpress.com
Pediatric Practice... Pearls for your Pediatric Office Practice 