my friend's daughter is still bedwetting at 7 years old, what could be wrong w her?

Question

she's prefectly normal and she's a very nice girl and very smart and clever. Her mom is worried and is wondering what could be wrong.

Answer 1

Here is some real help:

Bedwetting is an issue that millions of families face every night. It is extremely common among kids who are under the age of 6, and it can last into the preteen years.

Doctors don't know for sure what causes bedwetting or why it stops. But it is considered a natural part of development, and kids eventually grow out of it. Most of the time bedwetting is not a sign of any deeper medical or emotional issues.

All the same, bedwetting can be very stressful for families. Kids can feel embarrassed and guilty about wetting the bed and anxious about spending the night at a friend's house or at camp. Parents often feel helpless to stop it.

There may not be any way for you to cure your child's bedwetting, but the emotional support and reassurance you provide can help your child feel better until the bedwetting goes away on its own.
How Common Is Bedwetting?

Primary enuresis, the medical name for bedwetting, typically starts when kids are toddlers. It is very common among kids who are 6 years old or younger. About 15% of 6-year-olds wet the bed. And about 5% of 10-year-olds wet the bed.

Bedwetting often runs in families: Most kids who wet the bed have a relative that did it, too. If both parents wet the bed when they were young, it's very likely that their child will as well.
Coping With Bedwetting

Bedwetting usually goes away on its own. But until it does, it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for your child. So it's important that you provide support and positive reinforcement during this process.

It's a good idea to reassure your child that bedwetting is a normal part of growing up and that it's not going to last forever. It may comfort your child to hear about other family members who also struggled with it when they were young.

You may want to remind your child to go to the bathroom one final time before bedtime. Some parents try waking their kids in the middle of the night, but most of the time, that doesn't end the bedwetting.

When your child wakes with wet sheets, have your child help you change the sheets. Explain that this isn't punishment, but it is a part of the process. It may even help your child feel better knowing that he or she helped out.
When to Talk With Your Child's Doctor

In rare cases, when bedwetting begins abruptly and is accompanied by other symptoms, it can be a sign of another medical condition, and you may want to talk with your child's doctor.

The doctor may check for signs of a urinary tract infection, constipation, bladder problems, diabetes, or severe stress.

It's a good idea to call your doctor if your child suddenly starts wetting the bed after being consistently dry for at least 6 months. You may also want to call the doctor if your child begins to wet his or her pants during the day, starts misbehaving at school or at home, or if your child complains of a burning sensation when he or she goes to the bathroom.

In the meantime, your support and patience can go a long way in helping your child feel better about the bedwetting. Remember that the long-term outlook is excellent, and in almost all cases, dry days are just ahead.

Answer 2

My brother was a bedwetter until an older age as well, even older than your daughters friend. My parents had tests on him and everything. Actually many kids have this problem. She will eventually grow out of it. It could be possible that her bladder is too strong. It sounds weird but it has happened. This is kinda weird but here it goes. If she pushes while going the restroom then it could strengthen her bladder and too early. Then the bladder is too strong and can tend to overact. Try telling her to relax while using the restroom. Also ask a doctors opinion. It could be something further. Also she could be stressed... Take precautions like lining the bed, not letting her drink several hours before bed, and make sure she uses the bathroom right before bed.

Answer 3

Hi, my son is almost 13 years old. He is great in school and has lots of friends and very active in sports. He is a normal growing kid. He wet the bed up until 6 months ago. He has been tested by the doctor for everything right down to different cancers. He is tested all the time and he is constantly having blood in the urine but no bladder or kidney infection. The doctor put him on some medication. We call it his pee pill. They didn't work to begin with but the doctor doubled up the dose. He is doing great now and no more night time accidents. I think that in some kids it is just normal. The doctors can't find anything wrong with my son but he is coming out of it now. Good luck

Answer 4

I have 2 nephews who had difficulties with night-time bed wetting, also known as Enuresis. The daughter needs to be checked by her pediatrician or family doctor. There are several different treatments available and need to be monitored by a physician. There is nothing really "wrong" with her, it is just a condition that affects 5-7 million children. It is very important that your friend, the other family members, and anyone else who knows of the problem does not make fun of her - it is not something she can control. She does not do it to be irritating or naughty. It is quite embarrassing and worrisome for the child as well. I would suggest that you encourage your friend to make a doctor's appointment to discuss the situation. There is help for all.

Answer 5

I cant believe some of the answers being posted for this question. Every child is different. Some will stop bed wetting at an early age, some will take longer - it's a normal process and it certainly does not require seeing a shrink. Talk to the child, encourage her but don't make it a huge issue - if you do, that's when the real problems will start.

Answer 6

Its a medical issue that can be solved by taking her to the doctor. Its not a bladder issue its a sleeping disorder. They go into such a deep sleep they cant feel this and all their muscles relax and that muscle is included. The child is probably very embarrassed--dont make a big deal out of it. Just have the mom or dad take her to the dr. to get her help, she will feel much better.

Answer 7

Mine used to alot.. she does occasionally every now and again... some kids bladders don't mature ike others at that age... sometimes it's a fear of something that causes it.. sometimes something traumatizing.. she can cut back with no liquids after 7pm, no caffiene, and always make ehr go several times before bed.. and it's amzing how she can change... also I would suggest when her mom gets up to pee, checking and seeing if she needs to go too.. they do have treatments for it.. meds and stuff... but my daughter never needed them.. my brother was in daipers at night til he was 12 because he was a bed wetter... and back then.. they didn't have the meds and alarm they have now to help..

Answer 8

My daughter had this problem up until just before puberty. And then it just stopped. She was a perfectly smart, healthy and happy child. For some reason, some kids don't have whatever it is, that wakes us up when our bladders get full. Nothing to worry about. It will pass.

Answer 9

my daughter is 6 and still wears a pull up. She is such a hard and heavy sleeper that she will not wake up. When i wake her up she either falls asleep on the way there or on the pot. One night i woke her up and had her walk so she would wake up, she ended up peeing in the bathtub before i could stop her.
I would have your friend still take her to the doctor, there could be something wrong with her bladder.

Answer 10

My son was a bedwetter. I talked to his pediatrician about it and she gave me info on an alarm. I sent for it...best money i ever spent. The alarm snaps together through the front of his underwear and goes off at the first sign of an accident. Which would wake him up to go to the bathroom. Wasn't long before I wasn't washing sheets!!! It actually taught him to recognize the urge in his sleep and he would get up on his own at night to use the restroom after that.