Dr Catherine
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Girl
8-15 years

Your daughter is experiencing secondary enuresis which occurs when a child has had proper control over their bladder during the night for a period of six months or more then begins to wet again. Secondary bedwetting appears to have two main causes: physical and psychological. Physical or medical causes can include such things as juvenile diabetes, urinary tract infections or chronic constipation. While physical causes of secondary bedwetting are rare, any child who experiences a return to nighttime wetting should consult a medical professional to rule out the possibility of an underlying medical cause. The majority of secondary bedwetting results from emotional problems or psychological stress. All children react differently to stress. Signs of stress include physical symptoms such as ongoing headaches and stomach aches, vomiting as well as nighttime or daytime wetting. It is not uncommon for children who did take longer to achieve nighttime continence, to return to wetting at times of stress. Common psychological stressors for children include the birth of a sibling, starting high school, difficulties with peers, parental separation or family disharmony. Stress does not always result from a negative experience, with some children experiencing stress when they are overwhelmed or over-excited by new situations. Typically the management of secondary nocturnal enuresis involves addressing the underlying cause. When there are significant emotional or social stressors associated with secondary bedwetting, then attention to these issues should take priority over the different treatments for bedwetting. If there are no apparent ongoing psychological issues then the treatment options are the same as those recommend for children experiencing primary bedwetting. In the meantime, reassure him that none of this is her fault and ensure that her feels loved and special. All the best! Regards, Dr Cathrine