Winter 2016-2017
Rustin Buffington, MD,
pediatrician,
Mandarin Pediatrics
Staying dry at night:
from being able to fully empty it. Then at night, the
bladder overfills and can leak. Parents should make sure
their child is having daily soft stools to make sure that
isn’t the culprit.”
So when all else fails, when does bedwetting become
a legitimate concern? If a child has had at least
six months of being dry, and has started to wet the
bed again, this can be a warning sign of a more
serious underlying problem like diabetes. In older
children, accidents can still happen – about two out
of 100 teenagers still wet the bed every now and
then, especially those who have attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Other possible causes
are hormonal problems, drinking too much caffeine or if
irritable bladder runs in the family.
• Remember that bedwetting is a common
problem, and you are not alone!
• Keep a positive attitude and reward dry
nights.
• Decrease fluid intake before bedtime,
and encourage your child to empty his
or her bladder.
• Make sure your child is having regular
bowel movements.
“Bedwetting alarms have been shown to be the most
effective way to help with overnight issues, especially
with teens,” said Dr. Buffington.
been fully emptied,” said Dr. Buffington. “To get a full
understanding of what’s involved with these, talk to
your child’s primary care provider.”
According to the National Kidney Foundation up to
70 percent of kids respond to treatment with these
alarms. “They work by detecting moisture and ringing
or buzzing to wake the child up before the bladder has
You and your child’s primary care provider are a
team so you should feel free asking questions about
anything – there are no bad questions!
Cub Club Quarterly
11