Tackling bedwetting: 5 tips to manage enuresis

Enuresis, otherwise known as urinary incontinence or bedwetting, is fairly common, often embarrassing and sometimes difficult to talk about. It is estimated about 20 percent of boys and 17 percent of girls, ages 6-to-7 years old have some problem with daytime or nighttime wetting. Still, many kids are reluctant to talk about wetting with parents, friends and teachers. Parents themselves often have a hard time confronting the issue. The Voiding Improvement Program (VIP) at Boston Children’s Hospital uses a comprehensive and patient-tailored approach to help children with incontinence and other urological issues such as urinary tract infections. Treatment may include biofeedback training, Reiki therapy, behavioral therapy and a referral for acupuncture. The program’s director, Dr. Carlos Estrada, offers five tips for managing your child’s wetting issues. Open communication   Open communication is an important first step in addressing a wetting issue. “Kids have a hard time talking about their wetting problems for one obvious reason: It’s embarrassing,” he says. “And positive communication is essential to creating a feeling of comfort and a plan to deal with enuresis.” Over time, embarrassment can build. In fact, Estrada explains, for some boys and girls, urinary incontinence “becomes a focal point for a family, and the negative attention results in kids turning inward.” Adding to the embarrassment are feelings of helplessness. Estrada says wetti...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Health & Wellness bedwetting Dr. Carlos Estrada enuresis Voiding Improvement Program Source Type: news