Parent & Patient Information System 06/09/2015 Page44 / 51 How do we treat enuresis? Bedwetting children who also suffer from daytime incontinence should receive treatment for the daytime problems before the enuresis is addressed. There are two first-line treatment options with proven effect: the enuresis alarm and the drug desmopressin 1. The alarm is a device that by sending off a sound signal when the child wets the bed gradually teaches him/her to recognize the body’s own signals. The alarm goes off as soon as wetting starts. This wakes the child and prompts him or her to go to the toilet. In time, the child is conditioned to wake when their bladder is full before they begin to wet. For children who are old enough to understand (from aged around five and above) there is a good chance of a cure. (Alarms are not usually used in children aged under five.) A cure is defined as more than 14 continuous dry nights within 3-5 months of starting to use the alarm. 2. Desmopressin is a common medicine used for bedwetting. It is an artificial form the natural hormone vasopresin usually produced by the body. This reduces the amount of urine produced at night by the kidneys. It usually works well (in about 7 in 10 cases), and straight away. If it works, a common plan is to take it for three months and then try without it. However, when it is stopped, the bedwetting can return. (A permanent cure is more likely by using bedwetting alarms than with desmopressin.) Desmopressin can however be useful for short spells. For example, during holidays or for times away from home sleepovers etc To maximize the chances of success it is also important to make sure your child has a healthy lifestyle with a regular bowel and voiding routines and good fluid intake Where can I get advice and help? Approximately 75% of all bedwetting children become dry by these methods, if your child has ongoing problems you should seek help from a paediatric specialist where more advanced therapy can be offered. Almost every child with enuresis can become dry with correct treatment.
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