Secondary enuresis is a common disorder that affects boys and girls in their development. This problem is characterized by the involuntary emission of urine during sleep in children who had previously acquired control over urination. Unlike primary enuresis, which occurs in children who have never managed to establish bladder control, secondary enuresis occurs in those who had previously maintained nocturnal continence for a period of at least 6 months.
Symptoms of secondary enuresis
Secondary enuresis manifests itself mainly through the involuntary emission of urine during the night, which can cause embarrassment and discomfort in affected children. In addition to nocturnal episodes of enuresis, other emotional symptoms may appear, such as anxiety, low self-esteem or behavioral problems. These symptoms are often related to the social and emotional consequences of secondary enuresis.
Common symptoms of secondary enuresis include:
- Wetting the bed frequently at night regularly after having had a dry period of at least 6 months.
- Emotional discomfort, shame or guilt associated with episodes of enuresis.
- Sleep disturbances, such as waking up wet or having nightmares related to bladder control.
- Behavioral problems, such as irritability, aggression or social withdrawal.
Causes of secondary enuresis
Secondary enuresis can be caused by a combination of physical, emotional and environmental factors. It is important to keep in mind that each child is unique and the causes of secondary enuresis may vary from one individual to another. Some of the factors that may contribute to the development of this disorder include:
Physical factors:
Underlying medical problems, such as urinary tract infections, sleep disorders, urinary tract problems, or disorders hormonal, can trigger secondary enuresis in some children. It is essential to perform a complete medical evaluation to rule out possible physical causes of bedwetting.
Emotional factors:
Stress, anxiety, family changes or academic pressure can trigger the condition. secondary enuresis in children who previously had bladder control. Unresolved emotional problems can manifest through physical symptoms such as nocturnal enuresis.
Environmental factors:
The environment in which the child is, such as family problems, changes in residence, the birth of a sibling or conflict situations, can influence the development of secondary enuresis. Children are sensitive to changes in their environment and may express their discomfort through involuntary urination at night.
Treatment of secondary enuresis
Treatment of secondary enuresis It is based on addressing the underlying causes of the disorder and providing support to both the child and their family. It is essential to have a multidisciplinary approach that includes the collaboration of doctors, psychologists and pediatricians to offer comprehensive and personalized treatment. Some strategies that can be used to treat secondary enuresis include:
Medical evaluation:
A complete medical evaluation is essential to rule out possible physical causes of secondary enuresis. This may include laboratory tests, sleep studies, and urinary tract evaluations to identify any underlying medical problems that may be contributing to the disorder.
Psychological therapy:
Psychological therapy, such as Cognitive-behavioral therapy or family therapy can help children manage their emotions and learn strategies to cope with secondary enuresis. These therapeutic interventions can address both the underlying emotional problems and behaviors associated with enuresis.
Lifestyle modifications:
Make changes to the child's lifestyle, such as Establishing regular bathroom routines, limiting fluid intake before bed, and encouraging healthy sleep habits can help improve bladder control and reduce the frequency of secondary enuresis. These simple modifications can have a significant impact on the treatment of the disorder.
Pharmacological treatment:
In some cases, pharmacological treatment may be recommended to control secondary enuresis. Medications used for this purpose, such as desmopressin, act on the bladder control mechanisms and can help reduce the frequency of enuresis episodes. It is important that any pharmacological treatment be supervised by a specialized doctor.
Conclusions
In summary, secondary enuresis is a disorder that affects boys and girls who had previously acquired control of urination. Symptoms of secondary enuresis may include involuntary urination at night, as well as emotional distress and behavioral problems. The causes of this disorder can be diverse, including physical, emotional, and environmental factors.
Treatment of secondary enuresis is based on addressing the underlying causes of the disorder, providing support to children and their families, and use strategies such as medical evaluation, psychological therapy, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, drug treatment. It is essential to consult with specialists in the health area to receive personalized and effective treatment.