Treatments for Bed-Wetters

Parents of children who wet the bed can get frustrated, especially if the only support they receive is from friends and doctors who say, “He’ll grow out of it.” A free informational program on Monday at UCLA Clark / Morrison Children’s Urological Center focuses on much more than tincture of time. At the 90-minute program, which starts at 7 p.m., parents will hear that:

* Genetics plays a role. If both parents had the condition, there is a 77% chance that their child will too.

* Maturation can have an effect. Up to 10% of 5-year-olds suffer, boys more often than girls. Each year, 15% get over it by themselves. Children should be at least 6 before bed-wetting is considered a problem needing treatment.

* Bed-wetting is not viewed by most experts as a psychological or emotional problem.

* After ruling out infections or disease, treatment options include eliminating caffeine, increasing bladder capacity by timing of fluid intake, prescribing a nasal spray that reduces urine output and using bed alarms that sense moisture.

* A child’s self-esteem can be raised if parents give positive reinforcement for dry nights and follow other suggestions.

For program reservations, call (310) 206-9717.

Sources: Dr. Bernard Churchill, director, and Dale Perry, nurse-practitioner, UCLA Clark / Morrison Children’s Urological Center; Medical Update newsletter.