The parents of children who continue to wet the bed after the age of five are being reminded of the importance of not getting cross with their child when an accident happens.

Enuresis is the involuntary discharge of urine at night in a child aged five years or older in the absence of defects of the central nervous system or urinary tract.

According to Dr Nick van der Spek, a consultant paediatrician in Cavan General hospital and GP trainee, Yvonne Ryan, this is an ‘extremely common' problem affecting about 15% of all five-year-olds.

"The incidence gradually decreases over childhood, with 5% of 10-year-olds affected and less than 1% of adults affected. It is more common in boys and up to 75% of patients have a family history of bedwetting," the doctors explained.

Causes of enuresis can include a urinary tract infection, constipation, diabetes or emotional disturbances, such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or child abuse.

The doctors noted that enuresis can be ‘a source of embarrassment and low self-esteem in children'.

"It can place a psychological stigma on the child and stress on the family. There is considerable emotional morbidity attached to the whole family when dealing with enuresis," they said.

They advised parents and other family members to ‘try to minimise the embarrassment and anxiety of the child'.

As there is usually a history of bedwetting within a family, parents who were affected are encouraged to share their experiences with their child.

‘Positivity and motivation are key. The child needs to feel empowered, not helpless or punished," the doctors insisted.

Children should also aim to drink at least half of their daily fluid intake by midday and not drink excessively with their evening meal or in the evening in general.

Other tips include:
-Avoid fizzy drinks or drinks containing tartrazine (e.g. blackcurrant drinks) at bedtime. These cause more urine to be produced and can irritate the bladder
-Ensure the child uses the toilet before going to bed
-Leave a light on for easy access to the toilet
-Allow the child to help change bedding and nightclothes if there is an accident. Getting them actively involved helps to overcome the problem.

"Remember that bedwetting is neither the child's fault nor your fault as the parent. Patience, love and encouragement will go a long way to resolving the problem for everyone in the family," the doctors added.

They made their comments in Forum, the Journal of the Irish College of General Practitioners.