Children's Health

Medical History for Bed-Wetting

A doctor who sees a child for bed-wetting will want to know if the child has ever had bladder control for more than 3 months at a time or if the child has begun wetting again after being dry for at least 6 months to 1 year. The doctor will ask questions about the child's bed-wetting patterns, such as:

• How long has the child been wetting the bed? If possible, keep a diary of your child's accidental wettings for a period of time before the visit. Include information about when the wettings occur and how much urine is released each time.
• Does accidental wetting happen during the day, at night, or both?
• Has there been any leaking (dribbling) of urine during the day (underclothes constantly damp)? Has the child's urine stream seemed different when he or she uses the toilet?
• Does it seem to be painful for your child to urinate?
• Are there any signs of a bladder or kidney infection? Has the child had bladder or kidney infections in the past?
• Has the child been drinking a lot more liquids lately?
• How many times a day does your child urinate? Does he or she seem to hold it until the last minute? Does he or she have to run to the bathroom?
• Have you tried any home treatment for the bed-wetting? What have you tried and how has it worked?

Other information that the doctor will want includes the following:

• Is there a family history of bed-wetting?
• Does the child have a history of constipation or stool leakage (fecal incontinence)?
• Does the child have any emotional illnesses? Has the child had a recent stressful event, such as the birth of a brother or sister or the death of a loved one?
• Is the child having difficulty in school or with relationships?
• Does the child have any sleeping problems?
• How does your child feel about wetting the bed? How have you as the parent felt about your child's bed-wetting?