Question: My son is nine and still wets his bed. What can be done to help him? Is it true that bed-wetting is more common in boys? - Jeya, Muar.

DR FOO: Bed-wetting or nocturnal enuresis is a common problem among children. About 10 to 15 per cent of seven-year-olds still wet the bed at night. No one knows the exact cause of bed-wetting but various factors may play a role: inability to recognise a full bladder, stress due to recent bereavement or change in the child?s environment, a small bladder or hormonal imbalance. Bed-wetting tends to run in families and is more common in boys.

When dealing with bed-wetting, it is important to be supportive and understanding and never make your child feel guilty by blaming or scolding him. Help him understand that it is not his fault and that it will get better. Most children outgrow bed-wetting on their own.

In some cases, bed-wetting may be a sign of an underlying condition which requires medical attention.

You should consult your doctor if:
1. Your child still wets the bed after the age of six or seven.

2. Your child has other symptoms such as pain in passing urine, unusual thirst, unexplained weight loss or frequent urination.

3. Your child starts to wet the bed again after not doing so for a while.

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