Your GP will be able to advise you on ways to manage nocturnal enuresis. Symptoms can be greatly improved just by altering how much and when you drink and by training your brain to wake you up at night to empty your bladder. If conservative measures do fail to make any definite changes then you may be prescribed a medication that alters how your kidneys produce urine.
Conservative Treatments
Bladder Diary/Retraining
It can be helpful to keep a diary for at least a week of your bladder voiding as this can help your healthcare provider identify any patterns. It is also useful to record your fluids and what you are drinking. Further information on Bladder Diary/Retraining.
Lifestyle, Fluids and Diet
A few small changes to your lifestyle could help nocturnal enuresis. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinks, especially late at night as these can have a diuretic effect and increase urine output at night. Make sure you have plenty to drink early on in the day so you are not thirsty at night and limit what you drink before bedtime. Avoid constipation as this can put pressure on a small bladder by eating a healthy, balanced diet with enough fibre. More advice on Lifestyle, Fluids and Diet.
Night Time Alarms
Setting your alarm a few hours after you fall asleep to wake you can help to avoid bedwetting in some. You can also get an alarm that attaches to your bed clothes that will beep or vibrate when the sensor gets wet. This can help train the brain to exert control over the bladder. Find out more about night time alarms.
Medicinal
Desmopressin Acetate
Desmospressin a hormone that helps to reduce urine output and treat nocturnal enuresis and nocturia. It works by mimicking the ‘anti-diuretic hormone’ , which helps your kidneys manage how much water should be in the body.
Alternative
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient practice that believes that illness and pain occurs when a person’s ‘qi’ or energy flow becomes blocked. Inserting fine, sterile needles into certain points helps to unblock this energy flow. There has been a study that has shown that acupuncture to the sacrum has improved nocturnal enuresis symptoms. Find out more about acupuncture click here.
Further information and downloads can be found in the help and information section. Living with a bladder condition can affect you emotionally and socially; sometimes it can help to speak to others who understand your situation. The Bladder & Bowel Community Forum is available 24 hours today and will allow you to connect with those who share your condition. Start your own topic today or just follow one that interests you.
