Night enuresis, one of ten children suffer from school age. False myths to dispel
It is a disorder considered « passage », so much so that over 65% of children suffering from it do not receive adequate diagnosis and treatments. Failure to diagnose can compromise the child’s psychological and social well -being
Up to 1 in 10 children in school age suffers from night enuresis, but over 65% do not receive any diagnosis or treatment. A disorder still considered « passing through », which can instead compromise the child’s psychological and social well -being, undermining self -confidence, hindering participation in social and school life, interfere with sleep quality and, in persistent cases, also compromise the emotional and sexual sphere in adult life.
The sItalian ochyment of pediatricson the occasion of the 80th Italian Congress of Pediatrics, which opens in Naples on May 28, draws attention to a problem as widespread as underestimated.
“It’s time to overcome the awaited attitude« states Pietro Ferrara, Vice-president of the SIP and head of the Child’s Care Center with Enuresi and other urination unrest at the Bio-Medical University Campus of Rome. «Enuresis is not a mental disorder, but above all it is not a fault, nor a » listlessness « of the child. It is a well -defined condition, with precise causes, to be faced with simple diagnostic tools and effective therapies. But too often the problem is ignored, even in the medical field. The consequence? Children who feel inadequate, families who blame or give up asking for help, and a discomfort that drags himself for years ».
«Talking about enuresis means talking about psychological well -being, quality of life and childhood rights. Themes that will be at the center of the 80th Congress of the SIP – underlines the President of the Italian Society of Pediatrics, Rino Agostiniani -. Apparently « minor » disorders also deserve attention, because they affect the child’s emotional and relational development. Prevention starts from here ».
To dispel some wrong beliefs, the Italian company of Pediatrics diffuses False myths and useful advice to help children and families.
The 7 most common false myths
Will pass by itself, just wait
One of the most common errors is to think that Enuresis is only a transitional phase of growth and that it does not need to intervene. But scientific evidence shows that this expectation is often unfounded. THE Children who bathe the bed frequently (more than five nights per week) have only 50% probability of acquiring nocturnal persons before adulthood. Referring the diagnosis and treatment, therefore, does not mean « waiting for it to pass », but risking to chronicize a disorder that can become increasingly heavy on the emotional and relational level.
It’s just a psychological problem
Primary enuresis does not arise from emotional trauma or stress, as is often believed. On the contrary, can be cause of psychological discomfort, not effect. The main causes are physiological: an inadequate production of antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin), a delay in the maturation of the brain circuits that regulate the awakening, or a hyperactive or not sufficiently trained bladder bladder. It is a disorder that can have psychological reflections, especially if it is neglected or little considered.
He sleeps too deeply, he does not hear the stimulus
It is not true that children with enuresis have a deeper sleep than normal. Studies show that The problem is a reduced ability to awaken in response to the full bladder signaloften for an anomaly of the activity of Locus Coeruleusan area of the brain that regulates the response to internal and external stimuli. In fact, sleep is more fragmented and less restful, with possible negative effects also on daytime concentration and school performance.
Waking him up at night to make it urinating helps him to heal
It may seem like a practical solution, but in reality it is counterproductive. Accompany the child in the bathroom during sleep, perhaps waking him at fixed times, does not favor learning of bladder control. The child urine mechanically, without associating the action with the physiological stimulus. In addition, disturbed sleep compromises the quality of rest and can worsen the situation. The brain needs to learn to respond to the stimulus of the bladder alone.
If he doesn’t talk about it, it means that he does not weigh him
Many children do not openly express the discomfortbut they live it intensely. They can feel ashamed, feel different from peers, avoid sleeping away from home or participating in school trips. Some are guilty, others close in themselves. It is essential that adults are able to grasp these silent signs and offer support without judgment.
The child has too small bladder, there is nothing to do
Often the bladder is perfectly normal from an anatomical point of view, but « small » from a functional point of view. In many cases, A correct hydration scheme is enough (more liquid in the morning and less in the evening) and a regularity in urinating to train it to contain more.
If the child is not motivated, the therapy is useless
Many children appear disinterested only because they feel inadequate or guilty. A correct educational approach, centered on listening and respecting the child’s times, can strengthen his motivation. The empathic support of the family and the pediatrician is essential to build an effective path. The possibility of drug therapy must also be evaluated by case.
The advice of the Italian Society of Pediatrics
Encourage regular hydration during the day
Encourage the child to Drink at least one and a half water between 8.00 and 18.00distributing liquids in a balanced way. This reduces the evening thirst and helps the bladder to train with frequent urination.
Promote habit to urinate regularly
Invite the child to Empty the bladder every 2.5-3 hours during the day. A well trained bladder increases its ability and promotes night control.
Pay attention to the evening power supply
Avoid consuming very liquid foods (such as soups or broths) or rich in calcium and sodium for dinner, such as milk, aged cheeses, salami and preserved foods. These elements increase urine production at night and can interfere with the bladder ability to retain liquids during sleep.
Take care of any episodes of constipation
An intestine not correctly emptied can compress the bladder and stimulate bladder hyperactivity. Setting up the constipation is a fundamental step in the management of enuresis.
Respect the child’s time and encourage trust
A child who feels welcomed and supported is more willing to collaborate. It is important to speak openly about the problem without guiding it, enhancing its progress.
Rely on the pediatrician for a personalized guide
The pediatrician is the first reference to evaluate the situation, distinguish the different forms of enuresis and set, if necessary, adequate treatment or a specialist sending.
