Bedwetting (night-time wetting)
Many children stay dry at night only after four or five years, and some later. It is usually not the child's fault and not laziness. Common reasons are very deep sleep, a bladder that holds less at night, family history, and constipation pressing on the bladder. Rarely it points to a urinary tract problem.
Worth seeing a doctor if
- Wetting continues beyond about five to seven years.
- A child who was dry for months starts wetting again.
- There is daytime wetting, a weak or dribbling stream, or the child strains to pass urine.
- There is constipation, thirst, or pain when passing urine.
Urine infection
Signs can be frequent urination, burning, cloudy or bad-smelling urine, lower belly pain, or fever with no clear cause. In babies it may only show as fever, poor feeding or irritability. Urine tests, and sometimes an ultrasound, are done. Children with repeated infections need a check for an underlying problem in the kidneys or bladder.
Go to a hospital promptly if
- A baby or young child has high fever, shivering, vomiting or is unusually drowsy.
- There is blood in the urine, or the child cannot pass urine.
What helps
Treat any constipation, keep a regular toilet routine, avoid drinks in the hour before sleep, and be gentle: scolding makes it worse. The doctor may suggest a wetness alarm or medicine for suitable children.
Common questions
Is bedwetting a sign of a serious disease?
Usually not. A short check of the urine and a scan when needed can confirm it.
Can constipation cause bedwetting?
Yes. A full bowel can press on the bladder. Treating constipation often helps.
This page is for general information for parents. Every child is different: after examination and tests, an experienced paediatric surgeon decides the condition and the method of treatment. So for any problem, please consult a registered paediatric surgeon.