What is daytime wetting (Diurnal Enuresis)?

Daytime wetting, also know as Diurnal Enuresis, is defined as the uncontrolled passing of urine that occurs after the age of 5. This can occur in the day or at night.

Daytime wetting can occur on its own or with bedwetting too. Enuresis can be distressing for children at any age.

 

What causes daytime wetting?

There are a number of reasons daytime wetting can occur.

1. Limited fluid intake during the day

Drinking very little can lead to a small bladder that cannot hold very much urine. This can encourage the feeling of needing to use the toilet frequently.

2. Limited toilet visits during the day

Children might forget to go to the toilet because they are concentrating on other tasks. As a result, they may end up emptying their bladder before reaching a toilet.
 

3. Irregular bowel habits

Constipation and considerable amounts of faeces in the bowel means the bladder cannot fill to a normal size. Therefore, it holds less urine and leads to more toilet runs, poor bladder emptying and an increased risk of accidents.
 

4. Bladder with muscle instability

Bladder instability can mean that there is poor coordination between the muscles in the bladder wall and the sphincter at the bottom of the bladder. The bladder may also be overactive, meaning the muscles contract and the bladder empties whilst it should be holding.
 

5. Urinary tract infections

A UTI can also cause daytime wetting. Cloudy, smelly urine, nausea, stomach ache and a fever are symptoms that people need to look out for. If they do experience any of these, patients should seek medical attention.
 

How can daytime wetting be prevented?

1. Increase fluid intake

Staying hydrated. A child should drink approximately six to eight glasses of water-based fluid every day.

2. Avoid bladder irritants

Avoid caffeinated drinks such as tea, coffee and coke, as well as fizzy drinks and most red coloured juices, which can cause an overactive bladder to misbehave.

3. Regular toilet visits

Encourage your child to pass urine every two to three hours during the day, especially at break and lunch time during school. A reward scheme can aid encouragement.

4. Regular bowel habits

A healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables can help you avoid constipation, which is beneficial as constipation can worsen wetting.

5. Practise double voiding

Some children are not able to empty their bladder successfully on the first try. When your child believes they have completely emptied their bladder, you can ask them to stand up for 15 seconds. Then ask them to attempt to empty their bladder one more time.

Can daytime wetting be treated with medication?

If no improvement in daytime wetting is seen, despite successfully following the above mentioned tips, then medications such as Tolterodine and Oxybutynin can be given by the doctor to help relax the muscles of the bladder. It's best to consult with a paediatrician or urologist to discuss appropriate treatment.