Bedwetting

Description

Enuresis (urinary incontinence) is the involuntary passage of urine (excluding infancy) in older children and adults. In children, it tends to occur during sleep, when they will be in bed, hence the common term: "bedwetting".

Many adult women experience stress incontinence, owing to loss of muscular tone through problems with childbirth.

Causes

An occasional accident may be due to fatigue, a late night drink, or a nightmare. The chronic form of the condition may also have psychological components, while most women require an exercise program to improve muscle tone (usually Kegel exercises).

It is sometimes a symptom of an underlying condition, including anatomical defects which require surgical correction.

Signs & Symptoms

If the problem is a chronic nocturnal, urinary incontinence, the bed will be wet each morning.

In stress urinary incontinence, some voiding will accompany abdominal stress, including straining to lift something, coughing or laughter.

Both urinary and fecal incontinence can occur, sometimes together, especially in the elderly and infirm.

Nutritional Supplements

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General Supplements
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Amino Acid
B complex*
Calcium	1,500 mg
Magnesium	350 mg
Potassium	100 mg
Vitamin A*
Vitamin E*
Zinc	80 mg (Adults)	10 mg (Children)

*Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.

Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.

Discussion:

Amino Acid Complex (free form amino acids), provided before meals, has been effective in aiding with digestive problems. A protein powder with breakfast is beneficial for bladder function.

B complex may be important, especially early on in the day.

Potassium may be helpful in balancing renal function.

Dietary Considerations

An allergy elimination diet may be prudent.

It may also be beneficial to reduce simple, refined carbohydrates in favor of complex, to increase fiber and motility, as well as to eliminate any sugar surges, or insulin rebounds; thereby providing a more even level of energy.

Foods which contain the same nutrients as those recommended as supplements i.e. riboflavin and pantothenic acid, including: bee pollen, brewer's yeast, nuts, spirulina and sprouts.

Beverages with beneficial properties so far as the urinary tract are concerned, include cranberry and cherry juices.

Homeopathic Remedy

Belladonna tinct.
Berberis vulgaris
Ignatia amara
Plantago major tinct.
        
Treatment Schedule

Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).

This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.

Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.

Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.

Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.

Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.

If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.

References

Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.

Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.

Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.

Tissue Salts

Calc. Phos.	enuresis in young and old due to general weakness;
Ferr. Phos.	enuresis from weakness of the sphincter muscles;
Kali Phos.	enuresis in older children, from nervous weakness;
Nat. Phos.	enuresis with excessive acidosis, worms;

4 tablets, 4 times daily (q.i.d.)

Herbal Approaches

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Herbs
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Buchu
Cornsilk
Oat Straw
Parsley
Plantain

Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.

Discussion:

The emphasis is primarily on natural diuretics (Buchu, Cornsilk, Oat Straw and Parsley).

Plantain and watermelon seeds are also helpful in strengthening urinary function.

These remedies should not be given in the evening!

Aromatherapy - Essential Oils

Chamomile Essence,	Cypress Essence,
Lavender Essence,	Thuja Essence.

Related Health Conditions

Incontinence

Abstracts

References

Alon US: Nocturnal enuresis [corrected and republished with original paging Pediatr Nephrol, 1995 Jun, 9:3, 94-103.

Eiberg H et al., Assignment of dominant inherited nocturnal enuresis (ENUR1) to chromosome 13q. Nat Genet, 1995 Jul, 10:3, 354-6.

Gustafson R: Conditioning treatment of children's bedwetting: a follow-up and predictive study. Psychol Rep, 1993 Jun, 72:3 Pt 1, 923-30.

Mevorach RA et al., Urine concentration and enuresis in healthy preschool children [see comments]. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, 1995 Mar, 149:3, 259-62.

Nirgaard JP & Djurhuus JC: The pathophysiology of enuresis in children and young adults. Clin Pediatr (Phila), 1993 Jul, Spec No:, 5-9.

Pugner K & Holmes J: Nocturnal enuresis: economic impacts and self-esteem preliminary research results. Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl, 1997, 183:, 65-9.

Rey JM et al., Bedwetting and psychopathology in adolescents. J Paediatr Child Health, 1995 Dec, 31:6, 508-12.

USDHHS: Urinary incontinence in adults: clinical practice guideline. United-States-Department-of-Health-and-Human-Services-Publications-Public-Health-Service (US-DEPT-HHS-PUBL-Public-Health-Serv) 1992 Mar #AHCPR 92-0038: (125 p) (278 ref)

Vurgun N et al., Renal functions of enuretic and nonenuretic children: hypernatriuria and kaliuresis as causes of nocturnal enuresis. Eur Urol, 1997, 32:1, 85-90.