Bedwetting is often traced to the absence of control over the bladder. The bladder is an important part of the excretory system. Other parts include the urethra, the ureters, and the bean-shaped kidneys. The bladder is shaped like a balloon and this is where urine is temporarily stored. When the urine in the bladder reaches a certain volume, it sends a message towards the brain. The brain registers it and the person becomes aware of the impending release of urine. Thus, he goes to the toilet.
Bedwetting in Young Children
For young children, whose age is below five, the control of the bladder
is not yet fully developed. And this is why they accidentally release urine
while they are asleep. This particular bedwetting is called primary
nocturnal enuresis. The bedwetting may happen about twice a week. As they
grow older, they gain better control. This is how they outgrow the
bedwetting phase.
There are cases, however, when bedwetting happens again after the child had kept himself dry at night for more than six months. Such is described as secondary nocturnal enuresis. When this particular type of bedwetting occurs, the parents or guardians must bring the child to a doctor who will conduct an extensive physical examination. The reason for this is that the bedwetting may have been a symptom of a medical disorder, such as bladder infection.
There is also accidental wetting that occurs during the day. Doctors called it diurnal enuresis. There are less cases of pants wetting than bedwetting. This is because children develop the daytime control of urination earlier than the nighttime control.
Bedwetting in Older Children
Bedwetting also happens to children older than six. While this can become
a source of embarrassment, many health professionals believe that such
bedwetting is caused by a delayed development of bladder control. Most of
the time, such prognosis is accurate. But there are cases when something
else has caused the bedwetting.
Bedwetting in Teens
Some teens suffer bedwetting or accidental wetting. With such cases,
bedwetting is not merely due to no bladder control. The parents or guardians
must look into other reasons for the bedwetting, such as emotional problems
or a medical illness.
Bedwetting in Adults
Some adults also suffer from bedwetting. But these cases are often
ignored or kept secret. Like the bedwetting among teens, the adult
bedwetting may be due to illness or psychological pressure.